A Beauden Barrett penalty goal in golden point has allowed the Blues to escape an inspired Super Round comeback from the Queensland Reds with a 36-33 win.
The Blues led 21-7 in the first half and then 33-21 with 15 minutes to play, but both times copped a mighty Reds response in Saturday's second game at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium.
A converted Louis Werchon try on the buzzer forced extra time.
The Blues then camped in the Reds' half until captain Fraser McReight was pinged for incorrect entry to the ruck.
A frustrated McReight questioned the decision, arguing for a Blues knock-on given the ball spilled out during the play.
But it mattered little as Barrett, after a mixed night, slotted the winning points from a slight angle to move his side, at least temporarily, into second place.
McReight said he would likely analyse the moment in the coming days.
It was a third-straight win for New Zealand sides over Australian teams inside 24 hours at the venue and solidified a Super Rugby Pacific ladder now occupied from first to fourth by Kiwi sides.
The Reds (5-4) sit sixth, behind the Brumbies, despite producing some brilliance to halt the Blues' early momentum and then manufacture an extra period when the game looked gone.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored a try and was heavily involved in one of his best games this season while flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - with Test pair Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh both sidelined - and halfback Kalani Thomas both caused problems.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto bumped off bodies all night to continue his fine season.
Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan scored a first-half double while Reds winger Tim Ryan dove to finish a spectacular try down the right edge and also produced a solid try-saving tackle on Cole Forbes.
Ryan's try made it a seven-point game in the final few minutes and they were offered one last shot when Barrett's kick for touch only made 10 metres.
The Reds mauled close to the line before Werchon burrowed over.
But the Blues, as first try scorers, were allowed to kick off and the Reds defended stoutly for three minutes before the inevitable penalty.
Coming up today, the Highlanders play Moana Pasifika at 2pm before the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will meet the Chiefs at 4.30pm.
Source: super.rugby
