Blues end 18-year wait for Super Rugby glory

The Blues were crowned Super Rugby Trans Tasman Champions after a 23-15 home win over the Highlanders in the Final.

The Highlanders opened the scoring with a penalty five minutes in, but the Blues hit back with a try ten minutes later to lead 7-3. The Highlanders picked up a yellow card after 23 minutes, with the resulting Blues penalty making it 10-3. Despite being a player down, the Highlanders pulled three points back with a successful shot at goal. The Blues added a penalty with the final play of the first half to take a 13-6 advantage into the halftime break.

Ash Dixon yellow carded for this tackle on Otere Black, should it have been more? 🤔#SuperRugbyTT #BLUvHIG

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— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 19, 2021

The @Highlanders set the tone for the #SuperRugbyTT Final 👊 #BLUvHIG #SuperRugbyTT
pic.twitter.com/87wbZrsV9i

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 19, 2021

The Blues had the first opportunity at points in the second half, but their penalty attempt five minutes in went wide. The Blues had failed to capitalize on a period of dominance and it was the Highlanders who reduced the deficit to four points with a penalty around the hour mark. Momentum had swung in the Highlanders' favour and they kept the scoreboard ticking over, slotting two quick penalties to hit the front 15-13 after 67 minutes.

Clutch from Plummer 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xgSBiOStZv

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 19, 2021

The Blues got their noses in front with a penalty shortly after to hold a one-point lead at 16-15 with around ten minutes remaining. The Blues then crossed for their second try of the match after 76 minutes to seal the victory and the title.