Sir John Kirwan's reign as Blues coach got off to a winning start with a deserved 34-20 bonus point victory over the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby opener in Wellington.
Debutant winger Frank Halai scored two tries and was also involved in a controversial penalty try for the Hurricanes, which resulted in Halai being sin-binned.
In a match with plenty of hard running and bruising defence, the Blues always looked as if they had the edge in creativity in the backline with Piri Weepu, playing his 100th Super Rugby match, orchestrating the attack.
The Blues fullback Charles Piutau also dotted down as did their dynamic centre Rene Ranger.
The All Black winger Julian Savea scored the Hurricanes other try.
