The Blues were a class above as they dominated the under-strength Waratahs in Auckland.
They were never really troubled in the 55-21 victory, continuing to build momentum after a slow start for their standards.
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As for Darren Coleman's men, they got their Wallabies resting requirements out of the way and need to bounce back against the Highlanders next week to have a shot at the finals
So what did we learn?
1 OUTCLASSED
As simple as it sounds, the Waratahs looked like a team missing a dozen players against a world-class Blues outfit, hardly in the fight.
They never gained ascendancy in the tackle battle as the likes of Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea and Hoskins Sotutu ran riot.
The hosts also were dominant at the set-piece battle, setting the tempo with a brutal rolling maul to earn a penalty inside 30 seconds.
Darren Coleman’s men fought hard and their scramble defence was a key positive out of this clash.
Unfortunately, it was called upon far too many times as the Blues made a statement in their quest for a title.
2. TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY
So with a ton of stars out, who stood up for the Waratahs?
Joey Walton continues a positive return from injury, producing some solid hits in defence. He was joined by Will Harris, who topped the tackle sheet with 14.
The ‘Combat Wombat’ Hunter Ward also proved he belonged at the level whilst Teddy Wilson will get a lot of confidence from his dummy and try.
Out of their regulars, Izaia Perese looked deadly at stages, joined by winger Dylan Pietsch who continued to try for the full 80.
3. NEEDING A KICK
If Ben Donaldson wants to maintain his spot in the Wallabies set-up, he needs to recapture his kicking form.
Donaldson seems to be lacking confidence since that Brumbies game. This was summed up by a three-minute period just before the break that included a missed kick for touch and a bomb that missed its mark and set up a Blues attack.
He wasn’t alone for the Tahs, who time and time again found the dangerous Blues back three in space from their exits, noted by assistant Chris Whitaker at the half-time break
Coleman took responsibility for this after the game, conceding they needed to kick for touch with a great frequency
It made the task a lot more difficult than it needed to be, allowing the hosts to roll through and command field territory.
4. BARRETT'S CLASS
Beauden Barrett continues to remind people of his class.
Barrett took the line on with greater urgency and it felt like it unlocked the Blues’ attack as they sliced through the Waratahs’ defence.
The tap on to set up Zarn Sullivan’s try was a great example of a half not trying to overplay the situation, coupled with a perfect night from the tee.
It ensures his 150th Super game is a memorable one, picking up from a dominant outing against the Rebels
5. LOSING LOOSEHEADS
The Waratahs’ casualty ward continues to grow with Tom Lambert limping off the field.
With Angus Bell already out for the rest of the Super season, it’s another knock in a position they can’t afford to lose another, with Nephi Leatigaga playing handy minutes as injury cover in his place.
It could force Coleman to blood another young gun with Warringah's Sateki Latu waiting in the wings
Along with this, Harry Wilson looked shaken after a head knock, with the Waratahs hoping a return home will see a number of key players return for a key clash with the Highlanders
