Howlett sets try-scoring record
Congratulations Dougie :cheers:
Howlett sets try-scoring record
From correspondents in Hamilton
March 31, 2007
Doug Howlett became the most prolific try-scorer in the history of Super rugby as the Blues scrambled to an 18-11 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton (surpassing the Brumbies Joe Roff).
Playing in his 99th Super match, Howlett scored one of three tries by the Blues who staged a second-half revival to extend their lead in the competition.
The local derby between the two New Zealand franchises always brings out the best in the Chiefs who had won the previous three encounters and were on track for a fourth win until a brief Blues flurry midway through the second half.
Within minutes of coming off the bench, New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu grounded one try and then set up Howlett for his historic score as the Blues went from 8-11 down to 18-11 up in the space of four minutes.
It was the 58th try for Howlett, who also scored his first against the Chiefs in 1997, and put him one ahead of former Brumbies player Joe Roff.
Howlett was in no doubt which was his favourite touchdown.
"I can't look past tonight's one, really. There've been some great tries but fresh in my mind is the one that was scored tonight and that's one I'll remember for a long time."
Howlett saw little action in the first half where the Blues, without injured hardman Troy Flavell, appeared ill at ease against the physical approach adopted by a Chiefs pack boosted by the return of Keith Robinson.
Stephen Donald landed two early penalties for the Chiefs to open an early 6-0 lead, before Jerome Kaino scored the Blues' first try diving on a lineout deflection.
The Chiefs responded with a try to Tasesa Lavea, while Isa Nacewa added a penalty for the Blues and at half-time the home side led 11-8.
But the injection of Mealamu and Ali Williams spiced up the Blues in the second half, giving them parity up front and paving the way for the only two tries in the second spell.
Agence France-Presse
