Blues Consolidate Top Spot with Emphatic Victory over Highlanders
The Blues solidified their position atop the Super Rugby Pacific table with a dominant 47-13 bonus-point win over the Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday. All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke was the standout performer, delivering an outstanding attacking display that proved too much for the visiting Highlanders.
The Blues outscored their opponents by seven tries to one, with Clarke, Kurt Eklund (2), Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, and Taufa Funaki all crossing the whitewash. Flyhalf Harry Plummer added six conversions to complete the Blues’ clinical performance.
For the Highlanders, Timoci Tavatavanawai scored the lone try, which was converted by Cameron Millar, who also succeeded with two penalties. However, the visitors were competitive only in the early stages before fading as the match progressed.
“The win consolidates the Blues’ position at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings, with the team showcasing their attacking prowess and depth of talent. Caleb Clarke’s outstanding performance will further strengthen his case for an All Blacks recall, as the 2023 international season approaches.”
The Blues made a bright start, with Tu’ungafasi scoring the opening try in the fourth minute after a strong carry by Akira Ioane. The Highlanders responded quickly through Tavatavanawai’s well-taken try, but the home side regained the lead through Forbes’ score in the 13th minute.
The match was evenly poised at halftime, with the Blues holding a 21-13 advantage after Eklund’s try from a lineout drive. After the break, the hosts stepped up a gear, and Clarke’s barnstorming runs paved the way for further tries from Banks, Eklund, and Funaki. Clarke then capped off the victory with a deserved try in the closing stages.
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