Kurt Eklund's hat-trick of tries has fuelled the Blues to a comprehensive 46-16 win over Moana Pasifika, completing a sweep of their new crosstown Super Rugby Pacific rivals in the space of a week.
But as they did four days, the Auckland-based side had to grind 20 minutes of the second half with just 14 men, after winger Caleb Clarke was red-carded for a dangerous collision with counterpart Tomasi Alosio.
Still buoyed by their maiden victory last week and a staunch midweek effort, and with their coaching staff struck down by COVID-19, the competition newcomers threatened an upset early, as they dominated the breakdown and capitalised on penalties against their rivals.
Veteran first-five Christian Lealiifano took full toll of their favour from referee James Doleman, slotting two penalties for an initial 6-0 advantage, before the Blues finally found their feet, with tries in quick succession to midfielder Corey Evans and Clarke.
Alosio brought Moana Pasifika within striking distance with his side's only try, but Eklund and centre Bryce Heem crossed before halftime to give the Blues a comfortable 29-16 margin at the break.
Eklund added his second after the restart, before Doleman took offence to Clarke's attempt to charge down Alosio's kick ahead, as the All Blacks winger lept high, contacting his opposite's head with his thigh. Alosio was escorted off, Clarke wasn't far behind, but diverted past the Moana Pasifika bench to check on his rival's health.
Trailling 36-16, Moana Pasifika needed to score next, and from the penalty and subsequent attacking lineout, they mounted an attack that ended with Solomone Funaki forcing over the goal-line to score. Doleman thought otherwise, ruling the flanker had committed a double movement and awarding the Blues a clearing penalty.
Moments later, at the other end of the field, Eklund had his third try to put the result beyond doubt and powerful Fijian winger Timoci Tavatavanawai had the ball knocked from his grasp with the tryline at his mercy, before Blues winger AJ Lam delivered the cherry on the performance in the final minute.
The Blues will take on the Chiefs in the Battle of the Bombays next Saturday, while on Friday, Moana Pasifika visit a Highlanders side desperate for their first win of the season.
Blues 46 (Eklund 3, Evans, Heem, Lam & Clarke tries; Perofeta penalty & 4 conversions) Moana Pasifika 16 (Alosio try; Lealiifano 3 penalties & conversion)
More to come
