Lions 10 Blues 55
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There was more New Zealand carnage on the South African high veldt this morning (NZ time) as the Blues crushed the Lions 55-10 in their Super 14 rugby match at Johannesburg.
A day after the Crusaders hammered the Bulls 54-19 at Pretoria, New Zealand's other leading franchise had
far too much power and pace, running in seven tries against outclassed opponents.
The small crowd at Ellis Park were stunned into silence as the Blues scored a point-a-minute for the first half hour, bringing up their tryscoring bonus point in that time.
The shellshocked Lions could manage only an early penalty to first five-eighth Louis Strydom and a consolation try to replacement winger Jaco van Schalkwyk in the game's final minute but otherwise they were never in the contest.
Blues coach David Nucifora was full of praise for how his team played out the full 80 minutes.
"The most pleasing thing was how well the players backed up. They were very drained after last week's game against the Chiefs and to have to travel over here and play like they did was an outstanding effort," he said.
"To keep them try-less until the 79th effort was also a good effort and I'm very proud of it."
Nucifora shrugged off the obvious comparisons to co-leaders the Crusaders, saying their focus was inward.
"One thing we've worked hard at was our consistency, week in-week out. That's what you've got to do if you want to be at the top of the competition.
"Ellis Park is never easy to play and winning keeps us up the top there next to the Crusaders.
"It's a good start to the trip, our ambition is to do well over the next fortnight (in South Africa)."
Electric pace from the likes of Blues first five-eighth Nick Evans, centre Isaia Toeava and winger Anthony Tuitavake provided a constant Blues menace and complemented the work of the forwards, who dominated the physical exchanges in a similar manner to last week's 32-14 defeat of the Chiefs.
Evans was in everything, scoring a brilliant try and kicking nine-from-nine in a 25-point return.
Lock Kurtis Haiu grabbed two tries, including the first of the game in the seventh minute after an Evans bust.
The No 10 scored the game's best try, backing up a Tuitavake break after slick handling from several backs.
Flanker Jerome Kaino strolled past several defenders on an angled 30m run and fullback Isa Nacewa also crossed to round out the first half scoring at 31-3.
The only hiccup was a yellow card to Haiu for a late and dangerous tackle but even with the rangy lock still missing at the start of the second spell, the Blues scored through bollocking No 8 Nick Williams.
The game went through its quietest spell before reserve winger Rudi Wulf crossed and Haiu bagged his second.
The Blues stay at altitude this week before facing the Cheetahs.
Blues 55 (Kurtis Haiu 2, Nick Evans, Jerome Kaino, Isa Nacewa, Nick Williams, Rudi Wulf tries; Evans 2 pen, 6 con) Lions 10 (Jaco van Schalkwyk try; Louis Strydom pen, Chris Jonck con). Halftime: 31-3.
- NZPA
