NZ Conference Bags Mixed Results

Differing fortunes in the New Zealand conference after their Super Rugby matches this weekend.

Both the Blues and the Hurricanes played in South Africa this morning but only one came out with a win.

A late try from Tevita Li has seen the Blues register a bonus point 34-18 win over the Kings.

Melani Nanai grabbed a double while James Parsons and Billy Guyton also scored.

Blues coach Tana Umaga is relieved to get their first away win since 2014.

"It's been something that's been talked about and reminded about for a long time, so obviously to get the monkey off our back is good, and to get a bonus point along with that is even better."

Forward Steven Luatua said the team is thrilled.

"Fortunate enough today to get the monkey off our back on the road, so hopefully this continues for the next weeks to come."

Captain James Parsons said they continue to get the results.

"Came here with a job to do and look, it wasn't pretty, and probably been a bit of the story of our year, but we'll keep taking the wins, keep churning the Ws up, and hopefully at some point the whole 80 minutes will stick."

Over in Hurricanes camp coach Chris Boyd has been left perplexed by his side's 32-15 loss to the Sharks.

The visitors failed to back up their thrashing of the Lions last week, losing four tries to two.

"Massively disappointed obviously. We wanted to win the game and we wanted to play well and we didn't do either, so it's a huge disappointment.

"The Hurricanes haven't won there since 2004. I don't know whether it's in the conscious of the game, I don't know if it's in the preparation, I don't know whether it's the performance but clearly, whatever it was, was not good enough."

Meanwhile in Hamilton, the Chiefs have left a late swing of momentum too little too late in their 26-13 defeat by the Highlanders.

Co-captain Sam Cane has told Sky Sport they just struggled to make amends for struggling to attack in the opening 40.

"At half time, coaches said we'd only gone three plus phases three times in that whole first half, which is pretty disappointing because [they were a] very good defensive side, and you've got to be able to build pressure and passes weren't sticking."

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said the win was much-needed.

"Good teams have to bounce back in this competition. It's such a long competition. We started pretty much in November in a pre season and go right through to August, so really proud of the guys tonight."

The Blues remain bottom of the New Zealand table, six points off the Canes with a game in hand.

The Chiefs are level on points at the top of the conference with the Crusaders, and just two ahead of the Highlanders.

The Waratahs have thumped the Cheetahs 21-6 in Sydney.

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