The Auckland Blues have made a huge statement in their opening game of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific 2023, demolishing the Highlanders 60-20 in Dunedin last night.
The powerful running of winger Mark Telea was a high point in a fast-paced match at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
But head coach Leon MacDonald, who recently was linked to the Scotland national team, will be concerned with the Blues' discipline.
The Blues played the last 10 minutes of the first half and the first 10 minutes of the second half with 14 men after yellow cards and conceded too many penalties, especially near their line.
The Blues started strongly with tries to Telea, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clark and Rieko Ioane to lead 31-6 after 28 minutes.
The Highlanders had a small resurgence before halftime and cut the lead to 31-20 at the break.
A try to Marcel Renata kick-started the Blues second-half scoring and with second tries to Ioane and Telea and another to Papali'i to seal their victory.
In other results, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua defeated Moana Pasifika 36-34, the Hurricanes thumped the Reds 47-13, and the Western Force beat the Rebels 34-27.
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