The Blues have kept in contention for a home final after a physical 45-19 victory over Moana Pasifika in the Battle of the 09.
The win was set up by a dominant period before and after the break, which saw the visitors rally from a slow start and race clear for the bonus point win.
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Despite what the scoreline may suggest, Moana Pasifika were more than in the contest early and came up with a unique opening try off a set-play from the tap after several minutes camped inside the Blues 22.
Taking inspiration from the Springboks, the hosts launched a midfield lineout off a quick tap, setting up the maul for Millennium Sanerivi to power over for the opener.
It left the Blues scrambling as they were stung early by poor discipline, giving away the first five penalties of the game.
They steadied themselves through prop Marcel Renata for a 7-5 lead, but a smart use of misdirection freed Sanerivi up down the short side for a power burst and his second.
North Harbour product Kade Banks put the Blues in front on his home ground, stepping his way over the line two minutes from half-time to give them a two point lead.
Skipper Patrick Tuipulotu quickly extended the visitors’ advantage to start the second half, followed over by James Mullan as the Blues ran away with the win.
Moana Pasifika had little answer to the rise in intensity from their neighbours as Stephen Perofeta capitalised on a turnover to score to cap off his impressive night.
Showing off the embarrassment of riches at their disposal, Perofeta was replaced by Beauden Barrett, who crossed with one of his first touches of the night.
Chris Apoua got a consolation try for the hosts, his second try of his career.
In the end, it wasn’t enough to deny the Blues the bonus point, as Terrell Peita’s debut try sealed full points and kept Vern Cotter’s side in the hunt for top spot on the ladder.
They’ll face the Crusaders next Friday at the new One NZ Stadium, with a win putting them before the Hurricanes take on Moana Pasifika a day later.
