Blues overcome Reds to win 34-29

Blues 34-29 Reds, Apia Park
Scorecard

Replacement Stephen Perofeta scored the decisive try in the final 10 minutes as Blues managed to overcome Reds with 34-29 win in a tight Super Rugby contest at Apia Park on Friday.

Rene Ranger and Reiko Ioane scored a try each for Blues in the first six minutes as they raced to a 12 point lead and eight minutes later Queensland Reds bounced back with a touchdown from Taniela Tupou to reduce the trail to seven points.

Flanker Kara Pryor helped Blues reclaim the 12 point lead when he strolled past the post in the 28th minute and four minutes later Andrew Ready went past the line but the home side were in firm control at half time with a 20-12 lead.

The visitors showed more intent at the start of the second half with a penalty from Quade Cooper and soon Adam Korczyk also went past the line as Reds went on to take a lead for the first time in the game.

Lock Gerard Cowley-Tuioti gave Blues some breathing space with a 61st minute try but it was negated after Tupou scored his second try in the game, two minutes later.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Reds maintained a two point lead but Perofeta had other plans with a crucial try that came in the 73rd minute to seal a five point victory for Blues.