New Zealand’s Auckland Blues scored three tries in a devastating 12-minute blitz to defeat Australia’s Western Force 25-19 in the opening round of the Super 14 on Friday.
The Force looked to be in control when prop AJ Whalley and wing Drew Mitchell scored early touchdowns to give the home side a handy 14-3 lead after 23 minutes.
Auckland number eight Chris Lowrey scored a try for the visitors late in the first term to cut the margin to 14-8 at halftime at Subiaco Oval in Perth.
The Force had the benefit of a strong wind behind their backs when they ran out for the second half but failed to take advantage and were blown away by the Blues.
Lock Anthony Boric charged over two minutes after the re-start, then flanker Justin Collins and scrumhalf Taniela Moa both added tries in the next 12 minutes as the Blues piled on 22 unanswered points to lead 25-14.
”I was really proud of the boys tonight [Friday], that was a tough win,” Auckland coach Pat Lam said in a televised interview.
”We had a lot of young guys out there playing their first Super 14 matches tonight and they showed a lot of character.
”This was a great way to launch our season.”
The Australians put themselves back within striking distance when replacement Tom Hockings scored 20 minutes from the end but were unable to score again as the Blues claimed the victory and a bonus point for scoring four tries.
”The Blues deserved to win,” Western Force coach John Mitchell said.
”It was pretty tough out there, they were pretty brutal in their contact.
”We found it hard to get momentum in attack and we couldn’t build enough pressure for long enough periods of time to put them away.” — Reuters