Two-time World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett had the last laugh at Eden Park after getting caught up in a Hurricanes celebration.
Beauden Barrett revelled in a "celebration of rugby" as he made a winning start to his Blues career against his former team the Hurricanes at a packed Eden Park on Sunday.
Barrett was brilliantly caught up in the Hurricanes' try celebration when Dane Coles bumped off his former Hurricanes' teammate to dive over in the corner.
However, Dane Coles didn't just leave it there as he also had a few off the ball incidents during the game with Barrett.
The Hurricanes' co-captain was caught on the Sky Sports player cam, which followed Beauden Barrett throughout the game, hitting Barrett late after the fullback passed the ball.
Barrett took the incident well and chased the hooker before shoving him and continuing to play.
In the Blues were too good for the Hurricanes as they powered to a 30-20 victory at a sold-out Eden Park.
Otere Black contributed 15 points with the boot for the Blues, who like their opponents crossed for three tries. Caleb Clarke went over early for the Blues before Dane Coles responded in the corner, only for TJ Faiane – converted by Black – to send the hosts into a 14-8 lead.
The Hurricanes went into half-time trailing 14-13 thanks to a try from Ben Lam, but the Blues – with Beauden Barrett making his debut for the team against his former side – dominated the second half. After Dalton Papalii extended the Blues' lead, the boot of Black pushed them into a 30-13 advantage as they scored 16 unanswered points.
Jamie Booth went over late for the Hurricanes, but the Blues had sealed their win by that stage.
