Super Rugby: Blues run riot as Moana Pasifika fall heavily at Eden Park

Moana Pasifika were outplayed by the Blues in a 43-7 loss at Eden Park, with discipline issues and missed chances stopping them from staying in the fight.

The Auckland side controlled much of the Super Rugby Pacific match and pulled away in the second half, while Moana Pasifika struggled to turn attacking moments into points.

The Blues struck first through halfback Sam Nock, who crossed early before later leaving the field after failing a head injury assessment (HIA).

They kept the pressure on through the middle of the field, working hard around the ruck and forcing Moana’s defence to absorb long periods without the ball.

Replacement halfback Taufa Funaki added speed to the Blues' attack and set up winger AJ Lam with a clever grubber kick as the home side built momentum.

For Moana Pasifika, the first half became an uphill battle. Hooker Milenium Sanerivi scored their only try, but several calls went against them and they soon found themselves down a player.

Codemeru Vai of the Blues, scoring against Moana Pasifika. Photo/Alan Lee/Photosport

Augustine Pulu was shown a yellow card for foul play, which was later upgraded to a red, leaving Moana with 14 men early in the match.

Two disallowed tries then stopped any hope of a comeback. Centre Lalomilo Lalomilo looked to have scored after collecting the ball near the line, but the play was ruled out after he failed to retreat 10 metres from a lineout.

Replacement halfback Joel Lam later broke through several Blues defenders from a scrum and crossed the line, only for the try to be cancelled because of a penalty in the build-up.

Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi with ball in hand. Photo/Alan Lee/Photosport

The Blues took full advantage of Moana’s setbacks. Forwards Marcel Renata and Sam Darry both scored from close range as the home side stretched their lead in the second half.

Things became even tougher for Moana late in the match when fullback William Havili was sent off for a high tackle.

Blues centre Mason Tupaea then scored his Super Rugby try soon after.

Despite the scoreline, Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi said there are still positives to take from the performance. Their set pieces were one of the bright spots, with Moana putting pressure on the Blues at the lineout time and stealing possession on several occasions.

Their scrum also held firm, finishing on a higher success rate against a strong Blues pack.

Faiilagi said that area of the game could become a key weapon as the season continues. “It’s just about encouraging the boys to stay up and keep working,” he said after the match. “That’s our bread and butter when we get into the 22 and get into work.”

Blues captain Dalton Papali’i said the game was tougher than the scoreboard suggested. “The score didn’t reflect how physical that game was,” he told Sky Sport.

“Moana, they're strong, powerful athletes and you know it’s always going to be a grudge match and it was a grudge match in that first half. But in the second half we got the message from VC [Vern Cotter] and our coaches just to be direct.”

Moana Pasifika now turn their attention to their first of five home matches of the season at QBE Stadium in Albany, where they will face the Crusaders, who claimed a 29-18 win over the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

The Blues travel to Sydney next week to take on the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium

For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Championship, click here.