Twenty-one years after their last Super Rugby title win, the Blues, under the guidance of Vern Cotter, triumphed over the Chiefs with a 41-10 victory at Eden Park.
This win marked a departure from their style in previous years characterised by dazzling plays from legends like Carlos Spencer. Cotter’s Blues have brought a new hard-edged approach to the game, showcasing a robust, no-nonsense rugby that has redefined the team’s identity and led them to end their 21-year drought.
Key to the Blues’ success was the impressive performance of their pack and the durability of players like Patrick Tuipulotu, who played despite a knee injury.
Caleb Clarke also shone, scoring a hat-trick in front of a near full house in Auckland, with even the typically stern Cotter breaking into a smile.
