Overview
- The Blues’ 47-40 win Friday in Auckland lifted them to second on the live Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
- The Highlanders cut a 33-14 lead to seven in stoppage time before a knock-on ended their last chance.
- Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph’s call to start halfback Adam Lennox was vindicated as he scored the opener and added a second to spark the rally.
- Six of the Blues’ seven tries were finished by forwards, signaling a shift to pack-led scoring after recent backline injuries.
- Zarn Sullivan received a yellow card for a high shot that left wing Caleb Tangitau injured, and the Blues’ 82 points conceded in their last two games has drawn fresh concern about their defense.