Blues claim bragging rights over Moana Pasifika with comprehensive win

Sat, Apr 12, 2025, 8:09 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Blues have maintained their perfect record over neighbouring Moana Pasifika after a 36-17 win in Auckland.

It continues the defending champions' mid-season push for the finals with a fifth straight win over Moana Pasifika.

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The Blues were up for the challenge instantly in a dominant first half display.

Hooker Ricky Riccitelli got the hosts rolling after just four minutes before Beauden Barrett delivered a wonder try.

Stuck out on the wing, Barrett showed his incredible skills to chip over the top for himself, collecting and grounding the ball for the try.

Fellow All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and Mark Tele’a crossed shortly afterwards as the visitors struggled to fire a shot.

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa was the lone try-scorer for Moana Pasifika but it was all the Blues as Hoskins Sotutu added to the onslaught after the break.

It gave them a 31-5 lead that proved too hard for the visitors to reel in, despite their heroics last week against the Waratahs.

 Miracle Faiʻilagi gave Moana Pasifika something to celebrate, but the Blues’ second rolling maul answered his five-pointer try, this time Kurt Eklund the man to salute.

Winger Kyren Taumouefolau  got a late try for the visitors but it wasnt enough to stop the Blues from collecting full points from the win.

It means the Blues leap Moana Pasifika into eight on the ladder, on the same points as the Hurricanes.

They face a blockbuster trip to Christchurch on Good Friday to take on a Crusaders side cemented on top of the ladder.

Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika welcome the ACT Brumbies to Pukekohe, needing a win to keep in touch with the top six.

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