The Blues secured local bragging rights with a commanding 43-7 victory over Moana Pasifika at Eden Park, pulling clear after a hard-fought opening spell to avenge last season’s defeat to their Auckland rivals.
Vern Cotter’s side were given an early test before the match swung in the 16th minute when Augustine Pulu was sent off for a high tackle on Sam Nock, with the yellow card upgraded to red after Nock failed his HIA.
Nock had already opened the scoring, and replacement Taufa Funaki quickly made an impact by setting up AJ Lam, while Moana Pasifika responded through Millis Sanerivi to stay in touch at halftime, trailing by eight after Ofa Tu’ungafasi crossed.
After the break, a fired-up Blues pack took control, with Marcel Renata and Sam Darry extending the lead before further tries to Codemuru Vai and Mason Tupara completed the blowout, lifting the Blues to second on the ladder on 15 points alongside the Hurricanes and Brumbies, while Moana Pasifika remain anchored to the bottom ahead of hosting the Crusaders next week.
