The Blues have been beaten 26-21 by the ACT Brumbies in their Super Rugby game in Canberra.
The Brumbies used their rolling maul to great effect as hooker Folau Faingaa’s hat-trick provided the foundation of a gritty win.
The home side scored four tries to two.
According to Radio NZ, the Brumbies soon profited from their numerical advantage when Faingaa scored his second in the 54th minute.
Back-to-back penalty goals edged the Blues back in front 21-19 as the Brumbies lost composure but Faingaa effectively sealed the win, again from short range, with 13 minutes remaining.
The Blues had to settle for a bonus point which leaves them fourth in the New Zealand conference on 21, half the tally of the competition-leading Crusaders.
In other super rugby matches, Highlanders held Chiefs 31-all while Bulls defeated Bulls 28-21.
