Brumbies edge Blues in Eden Park thriller

Brumbies pulled off a dramatic 21-20 victory over the Blues at Eden Park, ending a 12-year winless streak in Auckland.

In a match filled with intensity and momentum swings, the Brumbies overcame a ten-point second-half deficit to claim a vital win and cement their position as contenders in Super Rugby Pacific 2025.

The Blues began with confidence, using their powerful forward pack to dictate play. Their dominance in possession and territory paid off in the 10th minute when a perfectly executed driving maul led to hooker Ricky Riccitelli scoring the first try of the match.

Fly-half Stephen Perofeta converted and soon extended the Blues' lead further in the 18th minute, slotting a penalty goal to make it 10-0.

The Brumbies struggled for attacking fluency early on, but a well-worked set play in the 24th minute saw centre Len Ikitau slice through the Blues' defensive line, touching down under the posts. Ryan Lonergan added the conversion, bringing the score to 10-7.

The Blues responded just before halftime. Finlay Christie sniped through from close range in the 38th minute, catching the Brumbies' defense off-guard. Perofeta added the extras, giving the home side a 17-7 lead at the break.

The Brumbies came out with renewed intensity, applying pressure on the Blues inside their half. In the 45th minute, they were rewarded when winger Corey Toole capitalized on an overlap out wide, sprinting into the corner for a try. Lonergan’s difficult conversion sailed through, closing the gap to 17-14.

The Blues had a chance to regain control in the 55th minute, opting for a penalty shot after a high tackle. Perofeta made no mistake, extending the lead to 20-14.

As the match entered its final quarter, the Brumbies upped the tempo, retaining possession inside the Blues' 22. Their patience was rewarded in the 68th minute, as a relentless series of pick-and-go carries ended with Rob Valetini crashing over the line. Lonergan missed the conversion, leaving the score tied at 20-20.

With the tension rising, the Brumbies continued to pressure the Blues, forcing an infringement in the 74th minute just outside the 22-meter line. Lonergan stepped up for a crucial penalty kick and slotted it confidently, giving the Brumbies a 21-20 lead.

The Blues launched one last desperate attack, recycling possession through multiple phases deep in the Brumbies' half. With the clock in the red, they won a penalty and opted for the lineout.

However, a handling error at the breakdown allowed the Brumbies to regain possession and kick the ball into touch, sealing a historic victory.