View photosKEY POINTS:
The Blues have been knocked from the top of the Super 14, going down to an impressive Sharks side at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland tonight.
The Sharks mixed attacking flair, aggressive defence and smart tactical play to defeat the home side 32-25, relagating the Blues to second place on the ladder on points differential behind the Crusaders who defeated the Highlanders 38-3 tonight.
The Blues travel to South Africa tomorrow where they play two games plus a game against the Force in Perth and are now no certainties for a home semifinal with the Sharks breathing down their necks only three points adrift.
The Sharks totally dominated the first half, scoring two tries through Odwa Ndungane and J.P. Pietersen to go into the break up 19-6.
After Pietersen scored his second just after the break the Sharks opted to play for territory, pegging the Blues deep inside their own half with good tactical kicking and accumulating points through penalties and drop goals.
The Blues gave themselves hope with tries from Keven Mealamu and David Gibson but they were their own worst enemies, committing too many silly penalties and unforced errors to mount a serious comeback.
However, a late Daniel Braid try ensured the Blues at least received a bonus point for finishing within seven points of the winners.
Sharks 32 (JP Pietersen 2, Odwa Ndungane tries; Percy Montgomery 2 pen; Francois Steyn pen, 2 dropped goal, con). Blues 25 (Keven Mealamu, David Gibson, Daniel Braid tries; Isa Nacewa 2 pen, 2 con). Halftime: 19-6.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
