Super 15: Blues win first game after Ihaia West kicks sideline penalty for 16-14 win over Brumbies

IHAIA West landed a sideline penalty for the Blues to beat the Brumbies 16-14 for their first victory after a last-gasp penalty attempt from the visitors missed.

THE Auckland Blues have ended their seven-game winless streak to start the Super Rugby season by humbling the Brumbies 16-14 at Eden Park.

The contest was as close as the scoreline indicated, replacement five-eighth Ihaia West landing the decisive sideline penalty with three minutes to go.

The Brumbies had the chance to steal victory after the hooter from a scrum penalty, but halfback Nic White put his long-range attempt wide.

Ihaia West lines up his crucial kick from out wide

And he then watches as he steers the ball between the posts.

He can afford a cheeky smile as he runs back for the restart.

“We got off to a great start and played well in the first 40,” Blues captain Jerome Kaino said. “In the second half I think we got a bit defensive and unforced errors got them into the game.

“When they built phases they got a bit dangerous, their forwards got about their work and we just weren’t able to counter in the close quarters.

“It’s great. It’s been so frustrating the last seven weeks not to be able to get a win.”

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The Blues headed into the match on Friday night with a 0-7 record and sitting bottom of the table.

But with skipper Jerome Kaino leading from the front, they were able snap their losing run despite a jittery second half.

The Brumbies remain the Australian conference leaders despite a defeat in which they fell 13-0 behind at halftime, before producing a strong comeback.

The Brumbies’ lack of discipline cost them early as they conceded the first five penalties, allowing Dan Bowden to kick the Blues to a 6-0 lead.

Daniel Bowden reaches out to score the opening try of the match

The Brumbies also had to reshuffle their backline when No.10 Matt Toomua went off midway through the half with an ankle injury. The Blues continued to have the better of the contest, midfielder George Moala causing problems with his direct running. But a six-point margin didn’t seem enough reward until Bowden’s converted try from a dab off a ruck put them further ahead.

The Brumbies, for whom flanker David Pocock was huge at the break-down, came out with greater intensity in the second spell. Christian Leali’ifano, who had moved into first receiver with Toomua’s departure, landed a penalty to put his side on the board. The visitors further cut the deficit in the 57th minute after showing great patience in attack.

But Lausii Taliauli answered for the visitors after the break.

They strung together 25 phases, their forwards punching at the line, before White found unmarked winger Lausii Taliauli out wide to score.

The penalty count swung around against the Blues in the second period and two more Leali’ifano goals pushed the Brumbies in front with six minutes to go.

John Kirwan has his hands on his head as Nic White prepares to take a shot at goal.

Nic White’s face tells you all you need to know about the kick ...

... as does John Kirwan’s reaction.

BLUES 16 (Daniel Bowden try, conversion, 2 penalties; Ihaia West penalty) bt BRUMBIES 14 (Lausii Taliauli try; Christian Leali’ifano 3 penalties) at Eden Park. Referee: Andrew Lees.

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BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, James Parsons, Charlie Faumuina, Josh Bekhuis, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Braid, Brendon O’Connor, Jerome Kaino, Jamison Gibson-Park, Daniel Bowden, Melani Nanai, George Moala, Pita Ahki, Frank Halai, Charles Piutau.

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta’avao, Hayden Triggs, Steven Luatua, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Francis Saili.

BRUMBIES (1-15): Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Blake Enever, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, David Pocock, Jarrad Butler, Nic White, Matt Toomua, James Dargaville, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Joe Tomane, Robbie Coleman.

Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Ita Vaea, Michael Dowsett, Lausii Taliauli, Nigel Ah Wong.

Originally published as Super 15: Blues win first game after Ihaia West kicks sideline penalty for 16-14 win over Brumbies