Pryor shines in Blues rout of Brumbies

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 08: Kara Pryor of the Blues is tackled during the round 16 Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Brumbies at Eden Park on July 8, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (P

If the Blues were as potent as they were last night earlier in the season, we could very well be talking about how they were going to fare in the Super Rugby playoffs.

However, their 40-15 demolition of the Brumbies will be little more than consolation for the Eden Park faithful.

On a dry night, the Blues scored six tries in a showcase of attacking nous.

Loose forward trio Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua and Northland's Kara Pryor put in another impressive effort, showing up everywhere.

Even an early yellow card to Kaino couldn't blot their copybook.

The Blues have come back from the international window with renewed vigour, playing with a lot more freedom and purpose than earlier in the year, impressing coach Tana Umaga.

"That's probably our natural game, but I guess for one reason or another it's taken us a while to find it," he said.

"We used the time over that June period to really get our confidence up to a point where we can throw some passes, and not get too down when we make mistakes."

The Blues took the ascendency early, first five Ihaia West providing a pinpoint cross-kick for Kaino to cross for his first.

A crafty set-play from a lineout five metres out from the Brumbies line saw captain James Parsons in the corner.

A penalty try after Kaino pulled down a maul right before the line, handing him his yellow card, brought the Brumbies back in the contest.

However they had no answer for the attacking threat of the Auckland side, with Sam Prattley and Matt Duffie crossing before halftime.

More of the same came early in the second dig, with Kaino crossing for his second.

Second-five Piers Francis nailed the conversion, as he did throughout the contest, no matter the difficulty.

Pryor was subbed off midway through the spell, garnering an ovation from the crowd.

He gave big props to his loose forward counterparts.

"It's easy work with Jerome and Steven playing so well. I just do my job and play off the back of those boys," he said.

"They're experienced campaigners and it just makes my life a whole lot easier."
Of his performances, he wasn't buying into any 'secrets' to playing well.

"No secret behind it. The boys are playing some good footy, playing for each other," he said.

"It makes it easy to do my job."

Duffie wrapped up the contest with a late try in the corner.

The Blues now look to topple the Waratahs, while the Brumbies aim to make the playoffs with a win over the Force at home.

Blues 40 (Matt Duffie 2, Jerome Kaino 2, Sam Prattley, James Parsons tries; Piers Francis 5 cons)
Brumbies 15 (Penalty try, Matt Toomua tries; Christian Leali'ifano con, pen)
Halftime: Blues 28-15