Blues too strong for Moana at Eden Park
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Blues have claimed cross-city bragging rights with a 43-7 win over Moana Pasifika at Eden Park to round out Super Rugby Pacific round five..
Vern Cotter’s side were tested early on by the visitors, but pulled away late to avenge last year’s loss to their Auckland neighbours.
LATEST HEADLINES:
The big moment in the match came in the 16th minute when Augustine Pulu was red-carded for a high tackle.
Trailing 5-0, Moana Pasifika looked to spark their attack as Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Patrick Pellegrini both broke through, before the latter turned it over.
As Blues scrum half Sam Nock tried his own counter, Pulu collected him in the head, with the initial yellow card upgraded as Nock, who scored the opener, failed his HIA.
His replacement, Taufa Funaki, had an immediate impact, setting up AJ Lam with a grubber kick.
The visitors rallied after Pulu’s fate was confirmed, with Millis Sanerivi getting them on the board in the 26th minute.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi gave the Blues an eight-point lead at the break, but Moana Pasifika had all the running late in the half after two tries were denied due to offside and obstruction, respectively.
The Blues came back after the halftime break fired up with Marcel Renata and Sam Darry both crossed early in the half to give the hosts a commanding advantage.
Tries to Codemuru Vai and Mason Tupara sealed the blow out win as the Blues jumped to second on the ladder.
They sit on 15 points, sharing top spot with the Hurricanes and ACT Brumbies, as they face a trip to Sydney to face the NSW Waratahs.
Moana Pasifika remain at the bottom of the ladder facing the difficult challenge of hosting the Crusaders next weekend.
Blues 43 (Sam Nock, AJ Lam 19’, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cody Vai, Mason Tupaea tries; Beauden Barrett 4 con) Moana Pasifika 7 (Millennium Sanerivi try; Patrick Pellegrini con). HT: 15-7. Red card: Augustine Pulu (Moana Pasifika).
