The Blues resisted a late comeback from the Melbourne Rebels to secure a vital Super Rugby victory at Eden Park.
A steady flow of penalties and first-half tries from James Parsons, Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina and Ihaia West gave the Auckland-based Blues the upper hand at the break, even though Reece Hodge and Jordy Reid had managed to dot down for the Australian side.
Blues further extended their advantage through touchdowns from Tevita Li and Lolagi Visinia after the break but Colby Fainga'a and Sefanaia Naivalu both led a Rebels charge with tries that slashed the hosts' winning scoreline to 36-30.
Source: PA
