First half blitz by Blues beats Moana Pasifika
- Dave Worsley
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The Blues have beaten Moana Pasifika 36-17to move up the table to eighth on 16 points equal with the Hurricanes on three wins, five losses.
It was the first back-to-back wins in 2025 for the home side as they hosted their in-form cross-town rivals at Eden Park.
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A first-half 24-5 blitz for the Blues - four tries to one - effectively gave them the win as Moana Pasifika were equal in the second spell 12-12, but scored two tries to the Blues one.
Hooker Ricky Ricciteli opened the scoring after just three minutes in a typical display while Beauden Barrett was in control and cross after 16 minutes.
Captain Patrick Tuipulotu was next across the line as the Blues looked like they could run riot.
Hoiwever, No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta'eloa scored to get Moana Pasifika on the scoreboard 10 minutes before the halftime break.
Into the second spell and the Blues made several breaks through AJ Lam and Mark Telea but could not quite capitalise.
Replacement hooker Kurt Eklund crashed over as did Hoskins Sotutu, who had a solid game.
Kyren Taumefolau scored for Moana Pasifika from a clever cross-kick in the final minute, while Miracle Faiilagi, who looked injured at times, was the other try scorer.
Ardie Savea did his best but was generally kept quiet by a Blues forward pack who dominated their opponents for the majority of the game.
The Blues are away on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm) to the Crusaders, while Moana Pasifika host the Brumbies on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 4.35pm) in Pukekohe.
Blues 36 (Ricky Riccitell, Beauden Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Mark Telea, Hoskins Sotutu, Kurt Eklund tries; Beauden Barrett 3 con) Moana Pasifika 17 (Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Miracle Faiilagi, Kyren Taumoefolau’ tries; Patrick Pellegrini con). HT: 24-5