The Auckland Blues blasted the New South Wales Waratahs off the park in the first half in a 31-17 victory in their Super rugby clash at Eden Park on Saturday.
The Blues ripped the Waratahs apart inside the first 27 minutes to secure a bonus point after props John Afoa and Tevita Mailau, centre Jared Payne and winger Rene Ranger crossed for tries.
Daniel Halangahu managed to cross for the Waratahs’ first points after 30 minutes when they finally managed to retain the ball and build phases, with Kurtley Beale adding the conversion.
The respite was only temporary however as the Blues continued to attack with scrumhalf Alby Mathewson sneaking over from a ruck.
Luke McAlister, who had converted three of the first four tries, missed the conversion, however, and Auckland went into the break leading 31-7.
“You’re never going to win a game with a first half like that,” Waratahs captain Dean Mumm told reporters.
“I’m proud that we didn’t give in at halftime and we worked hard and got some points, which we desperately needed in that second half.”
The Waratahs were a different side after the break and managed to hold on to the ball more consisently and threatened to make a remarkable comeback.
After Lachie Turner dropped the ball while diving for the line, the Waratahs scored tries to winger Drew Mitchell and centre Ryan Cross to claw back into contention at 31-17 with 10 minutes remaining.
They could have been even better placed had Beale not missed a penalty and both conversions and their challenge ended when they knocked the ball on while hot on the attack.
From the ensuing scrum Auckland number eight Peter Saili picked the ball up and kicked it 40m down field to relieve the pressure.
“The Waratahs came at us pretty hard in that second half and really held on to the ball well and we didn’t keep our foot on the throat and [we] slackened off in that second half,” Blues captain Keven Mealamu said.
“We just have to make sure we do better next time and keep it up for 80 minutes.” – Reuters