Waratahs down off key Blues

GOSFORD - The Blues uninspiring Super 14 rugby build-up hit another snag here tonight as the Waratahs held off an All Blacks-laden line-up 28-21 at the Central Coast Stadium.

Despite the Blues fielding 10 past or current New Zealand internationals in the second half the margin ballooned out to give last year's beaten Super 12 finalists a perfect two from two pre-season record following a 21-5 defeat of the ACT Brumbies last weekend.

The clash was a typical early season error-strewn affair despite the perfect conditions and offered few positives for Blues coach David Nucifora as his almost first choice line-up laboured to build any momentum.

Ball security and passing from both sides was patchy though the Blues managed to open their scoring from a stray Luke McAlister pass in the seventh minute.

Wing Vili Waqaseduadua cleaned up the loose ball near halfway and broke 20-metres before feeding Anthony Tuitavake who put halfback John Senio over under the posts.

Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui replied 10 minutes later when he broke Tuitavake's attempted tackle as the Blues were caught short on the right.

Peter Hewat converted handy to the posts and added a 47m penalty after the halftime siren to give the Waratahs a 13-7 lead at the break.

Nucifora made multiple changes at the break introducing many of his All Blacks for the first time.

However the Waratahs, who were also bolstered by the injection of a clutch of Wallabies, scored two minutes after the restart when replacement halfback Daniel Halangahu ghosted through a gap to feed Rocky Elsom who dotted down by the uprights.

Joe Rokocoko's strength narrowed the margin when he bullocked over in the corner but a 49th minute Tim Donnelly penalty restored the Waratahs double-figure buffer.

The Waratahs surged further in front on the back of a Shaun Berne break and his delightfully floated pass to Stephen Hoiles six minutes later.

McAlister scored a consolation converted try after the siren to reduce the deficit to seven.

Flanker Angus Macdonald was an early second half casualty with a chest injury though it did not appear serious. Lock Greg Rawlinson was also replaced on the hour after suffering a head knock.

The Blues, who lost their opening trial 14-29 to the Reds last weekend, complete their pre-season programme against the Western Force in Auckland next Saturday while the Waratahs host the Crusaders at Aussie Stadium.

NSW Waratahs 28 (Morgan Turinui, Rocky Elsom, Stephen Hoiles tries; Peter Hewat 2 pen con; Tim Donnelly pen con)

Blues 21 (John Senio, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister tries; Brent Ward con, Luke McAlister 2 con).

Halftime: 13-7.

- NZPA