Blues beat Brumbies with passionate performance

Luke McAlister bursts through the tackle from Radike Samo. Picture / Fotopress

The Blues gave their Super 12 rugby season a major boost by beating the ACT Brumbies 17-0 in a fast-paced encounter at Eden Park, Auckland tonight.

The injury-plagued Brumbies failed to trouble the scorers in an off-key performance while the Blues - coming off a heavy loss to the Crusaders in their last match - showed glimpses of the play that took them to the 2003 title.

Fielding a team featuring several changes, including the absence of long-time first five-eighth Carlos Spencer, they scored one try in each half and led 10-0 at halftime in a passionate performance.

The defending champion Brumbies, who suffered their second consecutive defeat, suffered badly through injuries.

Winger Clyde Rathbone and prop Guy Shepherdson were casualties in the first 15 minutes and first five-eighth Stephen Larkham joined them on the sideline before the half hour. Others appeared to favouring niggles but were forced to play on.

All Blacks right winger Howlett's try in the seventh minute was born of excellent vision from second five-eighth Luke McAlister, who kicked long from inside his 22m when with the Brumbies defence thin at the back.

Howlett's pace took him clear of lock Radike Samo and fullback Mark Gerrard and he received a favourable bounce to score.

McAlister's conversion and penalty on the half hour gave his team their 10-point halftime advantage.

Their other try came two minutes into the second spell when McAlister brilliantly recoverd his own chip kick to score.

Despite long periods on attack, Brumbies' mistakes and aggressive Blues defence prevented them from scoring.

The Blues went over the tryline twice more but were denied. Centre Mils Muliaina was held up brilliantly by opposite Stirling Mortlock while flanker Daniel Braid lost the ball in a heavy tackle from Brumbies captain George Gregan.

For the Blues backs McAlister, Spencer's replacement Tasesa Lavea, halfback Steve Devine and fullback Isa Nacewa -- produced some nice touches while flankers Jerome Kaino and Daniel Braid never stopped working.

Brumbies loose forwards George Smith and Scott Fava were equally industrious but their team made too many uncharacteristic errors to capitalise on the possession they earned.

Blues 17 (Doug Howlett, Luke McAlister tries; McAlister pen, 2 con)

ACT Brumbies 0.

Halftime: Blues 7-0.- NZPA