Blues beat Highlanders 30-14

The Blues beat the Highlanders 30-14 in Super 12 rugby's 2005 season-opener at Carisbrook, Dunedin, tonight.

They scored three tries through hooker Keven Mealamu, halfback David Gibson and captain and No 8 Xavier Rush, and second five-eighth Luke McAlister kicked three penalties and three conversions.

The home side's poor form continued from last season. They managed just one try through substitute Danny Lee. Ben Blair kicked three penalties.

The early season jitters were evident as both teams made a cautious approach to the game.

The number of penalty goals underscored the high error rate in the game.

Halfback David Gibson enabled the Blues to make a winning start with a powerful game behind the pack.

However, his pacy backline that included Carlos Spencer, McAlister, Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina seldom showed their potential.

When they did, the ball moved swiftly out to winger Rokocoko who allowed Rush to score the try of the match in the 63rd minute.

After McAlister and Blair kicked two penalties each, Gibson scooted around the front of a lineout in the 32nd minute and allowed Mealamu an easy run across the line for their first try and a 13-6 halftime lead.

The second half was barely five minutes old when Gibson charged down a clearing kick and won the race to the ball bouncing over the line. McAlister converted to make it 20-13.

Both kickers exchanged another penalty goal each but the Blues defence came under pressure when the Highlanders kept the ball in the forwards and drove.

They came close to scoring their first try twice but each time the Blues defence smothered the attackers just before the line.

Lee scored within a minute of taking the field when first five-eighth Cameron McIntyre broke the defence and drew in the cover tacklers.

The Blues then found another gear and the forwards set up a fine ball for the backline to move quickly to Rokocoko, who cleared the way for Mealamu to dot down.

* Blues 30 (Keven Mealamu, David Gibson, Xavier Rush tries; Luke McAlister 3 pen, 3 con), Highlanders 14 (Danny Lee try; Ben Blair 3 pen). Halftime: 13-6.

- NZPA