KEY POINTS:
The Blues endured a nervous last 10 minutes with their captain Troy Flavell in the sinbin for stomping before beating the Crusaders 34-25 in the first game of the Super 14 rugby season tonight.
With the game delicately poised at 34-25 with just 10 minutes left, Flavell was sinbinned for stomping on a prone Crusader in a ruck.
It soured what had otherwise been a superb performance from the lock, who is looking to revive his All Blacks career, as he laid on two tries for his teammates with outstanding offloads.
With a long history of disciplinary trouble behind him, the question will be asked again of Flavell -- can he keep his head under pressure?
Were Flavell the influential forward of the game, Blues first five-eighth Isa Nacewa's seven successful goalkicks proved the difference between the two teams, as each scored three tries.
The first try of the competition was a beauty, going to All Blacks hopeful Isaia Toeava.
After a surging run upfield from fullback George Pisi, wing Anthony Tuitavake split the Crusaders defence wide open, offloaded to Flavell, who flicked the final pass to Toeava to go over untroubled.
The Crusaders were lucky to go to the break only 13-19 down, having trailed by as many as 13 before Blues halfback David Gibson kicked directly into his own prop John Afoa as he tried to clear the line.
The Crusaders secured possession and captain Corey Flynn barged over, giving justification to his choice to pass up a penalty kick at goal.
Tries flowed thick and fast after halftime, a pair each as the Crusaders came back each time the Blues looked like putting the game beyond doubt.
Firstly, Blues replacement Rudi Wulf got on the scoresheet before former All Black Mose Tuiali'i replied for the Crusaders.
Blues wing Doug Howlett then scored for his side after Luke McAlister came off the bench, handed off Casey Laulala and Stephen Brett before giving Howlett an open run to the line.
First five-eighth Brett made amends soon afterwards, gifting a try to wing Rico Gear after a beautiful chip and regather.
In the end the nine-point margin reflected the amount of possession the Blues gained, although their pack, featuring eight current or former All Blacks, would have been worried after being steamrolled at scrumtime by a Crusaders pack featuring just two players to have worn the black jersey.
Blues 34 (Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Doug Howlett tries; Isa Nacewa 5 pen, 2 con) Crusaders 25 (Corey Flynn, Mose Tuiali'i, Rico Gear tries; Brent Ward 2 pen, Stephen Brett 2 con). Halftime: 19-13.
- NZPA
