29 Jun 2014

First-half blitz lifts Blues to thumping win

7:43 am on 29 June 2014

The Blues have kept their slim Super Rugby playoff hopes alive and snapped a 13-game losing streak on the road, with a thumping 40-14 victory over the Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

The Blues raced out to an early 26-0 lead before running out eventual six tries to two winners, ending the Force's five-match winning streak at their nib Stadium.

Four tries in the opening 17 minutes sealed the 26-0 half-time lead for the visitors, with first five Ihaia West the catalyst for his side with the opening try, followed in quick succession by scores from tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina, fullback Lolagi Visinia and veteran centre Ma'a Nonu.

They added two more scores in the second half through flanker Luke Braid and centre Pita Ahki.

The Force added some respectability to the scoreline in the second half with tries from hooker Nathan Charles and loose forward Brynard Stander.

West also kicked five conversions.