The Blues are the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champions snapping their 21 year title drought after they thrashed the Chiefs 41-10 last night.
Nobody epitomised the Blues’ determination more than their heroic captain Patrick Tuipulotu who despite a knee injury that was considered season-ending only two weeks ago, was enormous as their forwards dominated close-quarter collisions again to crush the Chiefs.
Also, familiar standouts of their superior pack, such as Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Akira Ioane, Sam Darry and Ricky Riccitelli, were also excellent.
Harry Plummer was faultless again, kicking seven from seven off the tee, and has triumphed where so many former Blues No 10s have failed.
The Chiefs dynamite back three of Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa and Etene Nanai-Seturo did not spark while star playmaker Damian McKenzie was ineffective.
Simon Parker managed the Chiefs only try from a rare attack when the final was lost.
Their yellow card after the break for prop George Dyer had been coming and the Blues’ scrum, so efficient all season, gave Clarke the simplest of scores for his brace at a key time.
Clarke claimed his third from a wonderful pass from halfback Finlay Christie to put the Chiefs to bed and AJ Lam’s late try meant the party could start in Auckland.
The Blues were not denied again and won their fourth full title after wins in 1996, 1997 and 2003.
The Chiefs will have to wait another year to add to their back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Super Rugby Pacific will resume next year with 11 sides after the demise of the Melbourne Rebels.
Meanwhile, Scott Robertson will name his All Blacks squad tomorrow in Christchurch.
Source: Stuff.co
