The Blues have dealt a severe blow to the Hurricanes' Super Rugby playoff hopes and re-ignited their own with a 37-24 bonus point victory in their all-New Zealand derby at Eden Park.
A penalty try in the first quarter shifted the momentum in favour of the home side, who defended well in the first half to hold a 15-7 lead before stepping up a gear after the break to clinch the nine-try contest.
For the Blues, first-five Ihaia West gave a good account of himself in his first start, while Lolagi Visinia, Jerome Kaino, George Moala and Patrick Tuipulotu all scored the tries at Eden Park.
The victory maintained the Blues' impressive home record while the Hurricanes now lie third in the tight New Zealand conference and in the sixth and final playoff spot in the overall standings.
The Blues climb to 10th, six points behind the Hurricanes, with three rounds remaining.
