The Blues have come out on top of their bottom of the table clash against the Lions with a convincing 25-3 win at Eden Park, ending seven weeks of heartache. Touted as the battle for credibility, the Lions were first to score, with Elton Jantjies nudging over a penalty.
The Blues wasted several early attacking opportunities in the Lions red zone, with rushed passes costing them possession. But after settling in and quelling obvious jitters, they managed to put together a patient build up, awarding Michael Hobbs a try in the eighteenth minute.
With confidence building, the Blues quickly found themselves back in their opponents twenty two, but rushed play and a forward pass saved the Lions from conceding another try. Spending the majority of the half camped out in Lions territory, the Blues took to the changing shed with a 10-3 lead at halftime.
A blatant impeding offence on their own goal line saw visiting wing Deon van Rensburg sin-binned, and a botched scrum soon after allowed Blues half back Alby Mathewson to go over, ultimately sealing the result. Gareth Anscombe was unable to convert, having a decidedly average night with the boot.
Blues captain Luke Braid put the final nail in the Lions coffin with a try on full time seemingly condemning them to yet another wooden spoon.
This win has come all too late for Coach Pat Lam, whose job was advertised this week and with an on-form Crusaders side to face next week in Christchurch, the Blues have little to celebrate.
Lions: Elton Jantjies pen
Blues: Michael Hobbs, Alby Mathewson, Luke Braid tries Gareth Anscombe con 2, pen 2
HT: 10-3
