Blues leave it late to defeat Reds in Super Rugby
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A Beauden Barrett penalty goal in golden point has allowed the Blues to escape an inspired Super Round comeback from the Queensland Reds with a 36-33 win.
The Blues led 21-7 in the first half and then 33-21 with 15 minutes to play, but both times copped a mighty Reds response in Saturday's second game at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium.
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A converted Louis Werchon try on the buzzer forced extra time.
The Blues then camped in the Reds' half until captain Fraser McReight was pinged for incorrect entry to the ruck.
A frustrated McReight questioned the decision, arguing for a Blues knock-on given the ball spilled out during the play.
But it mattered little as Barrett, after a mixed night, slotted the winning points from a slight angle to move his side, at least temporarily, into second place.
The Blues' early momentum and then manufacture an extra period when the game looked gone.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored a try and was heavily involved in one of his best games this season while flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - with Test pair Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh both sidelined - and halfback Kalani Thomas both caused problems.
Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan scored a first-half double while flanker Dalton Papli'i was able to surge through three tacklers for his try.
Coles Forbes scored in the first half in a solid performance while front rower Bradley Slater charged over in the second half from a lineout drive.
Tim Ryan's try made it a seven-point game in the final few minutes and they were offered one last shot when Barrett's kick for touch only made 10 metres.
The Reds mauled close to the line before Werchon burrowed over.Â
But the Blues, as first try scorers, were allowed to kick-off and the Reds defended stoutly for three minutes before the inevitable penalty.
"The boys said it was one of the toughest games they've played in a long time," said Blues coach Vern Cotter.
"Tight situations need clear heads and that's what we got."Â
Blues 36Â (Sullivan 2, Forbes, Papali'i, Slater tries; Barrett 4 con;1 pen)Â Queensland Reds 33Â (McReight, Wilson, Campbell, Ryan, Werchon; McLaughlin-Phillips 3 con, Volavola 1 con)