Abbott double helps Hurricanes edge out Blues 24-28

Blues 24-28 Hurricanes, Eden Park
Scorecard

Mark Abbott starred with a double as Hurricanes edged out Blues by 24-28 in their Super Rugby encounter at Eden Park on Saturday.

It took Abbott just three minutes to open the account for Hurricanes with an early touchdown but scrum half Augustine Pulu responded with a try of his own to level the scores inside 10 minutes.

Centre Ngani Laumape brought Hurricanes back into the lead with a try in the 13th minute and once again Blues replied back with Melani Nanai Vai strolling past the post to make it 14-14.

Beauden Barrett provided some advantage to Hurricanes heading into the half time with a cross over in the 27th minute while Jordie followed with a conversion to make it 14-21 in favour of the visitors.

Blues showed more intent in the second half with replacement Bryn Gatland kicking a penalty in the 54th minute and 10 minutes later Scott Scrafton strolled past the post to take the hosts to a seven point lead.

However, Abbott scored the decisive try in the 72nd minute followed by a conversion from Jordie to seal a 24-28 victory for the Hurricanes, who are at third in the New Zealand Conference.