It was final quarter mayhem in Wainuiomata as the Hurricanes scored three tries in nine minutes to Kade Banks, Fehi Fineanganofo and Peter Lakai, while Cameron Suafoa and Patrick Tuipulotu scored within four minutes of each other at the end of the game.
The Hurricanes used their counter-attacking game effectively to secure their lead, while the Blues looked to use more of their traditional forward power, and their two late tries reflected that.
Hurricanes 31 (Kini Naholo, Billy Proctor, Kade Bank, Fehi Fineanganofo, Peter Lakai tries; Harry Godfrey con; Riley Hohepa 2 con) Blues 19 (Taufa Funaki, Cam Suafoa, Patrick Tuipulotu tries; Beauden Barrett con; Harry Plummer con). HT: 12-7
Given a sound defensive workout by Moana Pasifika at Pukekohe, the Chiefs scored a second warm-up win in 2025, by a 31-19 margin.
Moana Pasifika stretched the home defences but came up against Chiefs' loose forward Luke Jacobson and newcomer Jahrome Brown, who proved sound at the breakdowns, to go to the break leading 14-0.
They extended their lead in the second half, but introducing new captain and loose forward, Ardie Savea, lifted Moana Pasifika in the final stages when they scored twice to reduce the margin.
Having to fly to Perth for their opening against the Force on Saturday, Moana Pasifika will be hoping an arm injury that forced flanker Niko Jones from the field is not serious while ahead of their game with the Blues in Auckland, the Chiefs will be concerned over a shoulder injury to midfield back Daniel Rona.
Chiefs 31 (Oscar Koller, Xavier Roe, Taine Kolose, Emoni Narawa, Samipeni Finau tries; Josh Jacomb 2 con; Damian McKenzie con). Moana Pasifika 19 (Tuna Tuitama, Patrick Pellegrini, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa tries; Pellegrini 2 con). HT: 14-0
On Waitangi Day, the Highlanders beat the Crusaders 29-24 in Invercargill.
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