The Auckland Blues secured the top spot on Friday in this year’s Super 12 rugby union competition, and a home semi-final, with a 33-9 win over the bottom-of-the-table Golden Cats.
The five-try-to-nil victory means the Blues cannot be overhauled by either the Hurricanes, whom they meet in the final round next week, or the third-placed Crusaders.
In a surprise move, the visitors started with skipper Bobby Skinstad on the bench.
The Blues led 21-9 at half-time in a match played in the rain with only hard core fans around to watch what was otherwise a dreary game of rugby.
The Blues had the lion’s share of territory and possession, but were hampered by errors and moments of miscommunication.
Fly-half Carlos Spencer was one player to impress; his big touchfinders carving up large chunks of territory, while one burst of speed produced a try for fullback Mils Muliaina.
While the Blues in general stuttered, the Cats failed to mount any real pressure on the opposition line. They missed at least two try-scoring opportunities and had another ruled out when centre Jorrie Muller scraped the in-goal sideline.
The Blues dominated from the outset and had already grabbed three tries by half-time, with a charge down by lock Brad Mika leading to the first for winger Joe Rokocoko after just two minutes.
Midway through the spell, the Blues opted to kick from the corner for a penalty, and from the ensuing lineout, the forwards drove halfback Steve Devine over for the second.
The best was Muliaina’s touchdown after 33 minutes, when flanker Daniel Braid was able to turn the ball over in a maul in his own half. The ball went to Spencer, who streaked 50m down the sideline before sending Muliaina over.
The Cats’ only replies were three first-half penalties to fly-half Andre Pretorius, who was the South Africans’ most dangerous player with his ability to break the line.
The Blues got their bonus point try 14 minutes after the interval, after again opting to kick for the corner from a penalty; this time it was prop Kees Meeuws who went over.
Orene Ai’i, who came on late in the match for Spencer, finished off the scoring with a converted try after a break by insider centre Sam Tuitupou. – Sapa