Strong second half comeback steers Chiefs to 29-37 win over Blues

Blues 29-37 Chiefs, Eden Park
Scorecard

Chiefs kick-started their Super Rugby campaign with a win as they came from behind to beat Blues 29-37 at Eden Park on Friday.

The first points of the season came in the 17th minute when USA international Tony Lamborn crossed over following an offload from TJ Faiane to get Blues off the mark.

Faiane once again proved pivotal in Blues as he sent an inside pass to Rieko Ioane as the All Blacks star strolled over the line that was improved by Stephen Perofeta to make the scoreline 12-0.

The response from Chiefs came in the 35th minute when Samisoni Taukei'aho touched down before Ioane's second ensured the home side finished the first half with 19-5 lead.

Chiefs were quick to get off the block in the second half with Taukei'aho scoring his second in the 46th minute and in a span of five minutes, Pita Sowakula also went over the line as the visitors went on to level the scores.

As the third quarter was about to end, Blues went on to seize the lead once again and also went on to claim the bonus point with a try from Karl Tu'inukuafe followed by Perofeta's conversion but tries from Aidan Ross (65') and Solomon Alaimalo (69') ensuring the visitors had a lead of 26-31.

A drop goal from Cruden stretched Chiefs lead to eight points following which Harry Plummer and Cruden traded penalties as the visitors completed an eight point victory.