Blues lead too much for Brumbies
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Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham admitted that the Blues first half lead was difficult to chase down, as their valiant second half comeback fell agonisingly short at Eden Park on Friday.
The Brumbies fought their way back from being 13-0 down at half time to lead 14-13 with seven minutes remaining.
However the Brumbies conceded a penalty for offside in the 76th minute and replacement flyhalf Ihaia West slotted the penalty to take the lead back.
While the Blues dominated the first half by scoring 13 points, the Brumbies dominated the second half by outscoring the home side 14-3 in the second, but the deficit eventually cost the Brumbies.
The Brumbies had the chance to snatch the win from the Blues after a scrum penalty at the hooter, but it went wide, handing the Blues their first win in three games at Eden Park between these two sides since 2012.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said it was a disappointing result.
"We had a chance to win the game in the end, but letting the Blues get ahead of us big that margin in the first half proved too much to overcome," Larkham said.
"There were positives from the game. We chased them back after a significant halftime deficit. "
"But we can't afford to be giving sides a head start like that.
It was a very different picture in the Blues camp, where stand out Blues flank and captain Jerome Kaino showed relief and joy.
"It's great," said a jubilant Kaino as they celebrated their first victory of the year.
"It's been frustrating for the last seven weeks not being able to get the win."
But Kaino acknowledged that after the flying start, the Blues were lucky to come back at the end.
"We got off to a great start and played well in the first 40 minutes.
"In the second half we got a bit defensive and unforced errors got them in the game.
"When they built phases they got a bit dangerous… and we just weren't able to counter in the close quarters.
"But we'll take the win."
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