CAPE TOWN - All Black wing Doug Howlett scored two tries as the Blues kept alive their slim hopes of retaining the Super 12 title with a 35-28 victory over the Cats in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.
The Blues, who lost 51-23 to the Stormers in Auckland a week ago,
took maximum points from their four tries to three victory to move into seventh place.
However, they need to win their final two games and hope other teams slip up if they are to reach the semi-finals.
The Cats scored two tries in the final three minutes to give the scoreboard a closer look but they were well beaten by a Blues side that had been heavily criticised following the defeat by the Stormers.
They were without number one first five-eighths Carlos Spencer and his back-up Tasesa Lavea as well as both first-choice scrumhalves.
But former Highlander Billy Fulton and debutant first five-eighths Luke McAlister enjoyed impressive games.
McAlister landed six from seven kicks at goal for a personal haul of 15 points as well as making the break for the Blues' opening try by Sam Tuitupou.
He ended the match by being yellow-carded for a professional foul.
The Blues trailed 13-6 before Tuitupou's try and took the lead for the first time when Howlett scampered in for his first in the 44th minute.
But from there they took complete control, scoring 29 points to three from the half hour mark until the Cats' final flurry.
Howlett added his second try on the hour and the bonus point was assured six minutes later when loose forward Angus MacDonald wrestled his way over.
- REUTERS
2004 Super 12 draw, results and points table
New Zealand squads and information
Australian squads
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