Mark Telea showed his class as he scored an outstanding try in the Blues’ 36-25 victory over the Hurricanes in Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific derby at Eden Park.
The All Blacks flyer stole the show as he contributed 20 points in his side’s triumph, courtesy of four tries, and his second five-pointer was a superb individual effort.
Despite atrocious weather conditions, with heavy rain pelting down for most of the match, the Blues stayed true to their attacking roots, and in the 28th minute, Telea gathered a pass from Harry Plummer from 10 metres inside the Hurricanes’ half.
Despite being confronted by several Hurricanes forwards, Telea turned on the afterburners and beat three defenders with ease. He was soon inside his opponents’ 22 and continued to pick up speed before diving over under the posts despite the attentions of two cover defenders.
Afterburners activated! 🏎#BLUvHUR #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/76iWAB1l4o
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 27, 2023
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Earlier, the Hurricanes had taken the lead courtesy of a fifth-minute penalty from Jordie Barrett, but the Blues struck back shortly afterwards when Telea crossed for his first try after a powerful run deep inside his opponents’ territory.
The home side’s confidence grew with that score, and midway through the half Hoskins Sotutu also crossed the whitewash before Telea went over for that stunning second try which was converted by Plummer.
The Hurricanes needed a response, and that came in the 32nd minute when Cam Roigard scored a try, with Barrett adding the extras, which meant the teams changed sides at half-time with the Blues holding a 19-10 lead.
The visitors had regained the initiative with Roigard’s score, and in the 50th minute, they narrowed the gap to four points when Billy Proctor crossed for their second five-pointer.
Telea then sealed his hat-trick with a well-taken try in the 65th minute, but the Hurricanes continued to fight back and were rewarded when Kini Naholo dotted down soon after.
The topsy-turvy of this match continued when Rieko Ioane and Naholo traded five-pointers during the next five minutes, but Telea clinched his side’s win when he scored his fourth try in the game’s dying moments.
The victory is a momentous one for the Blues as it consolidates their position amongst the leading teams in the Super Rugby Pacific standings and strengthens their bid for hosting a quarter-final.
Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific
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