Blues hand 24-15 defeat to Force at Eden Park

Blues 24-15 Force, Eden Park
Scorecard

Blues came from behind and completed a 24-15 bonus point victory over Force in their Super Rugby encounter at Eden Park on Saturday.

Fly-half Jono Lance got Force off the mark with a 11th minute penalty and eight minutes later lock Richie Arnold crossed over to make it an eight point lead.

However, a sin-bin to Force number eight Isi Naisarani changed the complexion of the game as replacement Akira Ioane and wing Matt Duffie crossed over for Blues with Piers Francis converting the first try as the hosts went into half time leading by four points.

After the third quarter went without a point, Reiko Ioane and fullback Michael Collins extended Blues advantage to 16 points with their respective tries which came in the 64th and 72nd minutes.

Even though Dane Haylett-Petty came up with a desperate 77nd minute try, Force succumbed to a nine point defeat.

This is Blues second successive win of the season and are positioned fourth in the New Zealand conference while Force are at fourth in Australian group.