The Blues scored an unanswered 22 first half points enroute to the Super Rugby semifinals in Saturday, but the Auckland side will likely need to step up their intensity next week.
And they might be missing their skipper Patrick Tuipulotu who was forced out of the game early with a knee injury.
A week after the Blues lost top spot on the table after the siren by conceding a late try, they again had some second half struggles against Fijian Drua before winning 36-5.
The 22-0 lead at the break was ultimately enough, but a wonderful try via Fijian winger Selestino Ravutaumada gave them a wakeup call.
Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie and Caleb Clarke, who later added a second, set up the victory with first half tries.
Hoskins Sotutu of the Blues on the charge during the Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final match between the Blues and Fijian Drua at Eden Park, on June 08, 2024, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The Blues will host either the Brumbies (should they beat the Highlanders) or the Chiefs next weekend depending on the result of the final QF later Saturday.
“That wasn’t comfortable, hey. They really brought it to us and they’re a hell of a team. Mad respect to them,” said Papali’i.
“We didn’t win a lot of moments out there.”
MORE TO COME