1 Apr 2017

Blues beat Western Force

7:55 pm on 1 April 2017

The Blues have enjoyed back to back victories after beating the Western Force 24-15 at Eden Park.

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Reiko Ioane had a hand in at least one try. Photo: Photosport

The Force came out wanting to prove their worth as speculation around the club's future in Super Rugby surrounds the team.

The Force got on the scoreboard first with a penalty, before a try to Richie Arnold on debut had them leading the Blues 8-0.

The Blues lacked possession early in the game but started clicking into gear.

A couple of late tries at the end of the first half to Akira Ioane and Matt Duffie put the Blues ahead 12-8.

The Blues came out firing after the break. First, Reiko Ioane sparked and finished off a try. Ihaia West then made the most of a Matt Duffie intercept, which set Michael Collins up for a try.

The Force fought right to the end and a try to Dane Haylett-Petty denied the Blues a bonus point.

The Blues are coming off a good win over the Bulls last weekend and have won all three of their encounters with foreign teams, but have also lost all three against New Zealand opposition.

They will want to turn that around when they meet the Highlanders and Hurricanes in the next two rounds.