Blues trample Waratahs in Super Rugby at wet Eden Park

The understrength NSW Waratahs conceded seven tries in a 55-21 Super Rugby Pacific thumping by the Blues at a wet Eden Park in Auckland.

But the Waratahs hope Saturday’s outcome is the worst of it, expecting their cavalry to return and with it some momentum in a six-week run into the finals.

Travelling without the rested Michael Hooper and boasting a bevy of fresh-faced talent, the Waratahs did well to turn away the Blues’ many early attacks.

When Waratahs hooker Mahe Vailanu found the line from the back of a rolling maul it was 13-7 and the visitors had designs on just a second win at the venue.

But that same man was sin-binned soon after for a ruck infringement on his try-line, with Blues reserve fullback Zarn Sullivan scoring tries either side of halftime while he was off to break the game open.

Heavy rain then arrived and the Blues slid clear.

A double to hooker Ricky Riccitelli increased the gap and winger Caleb Clarke score d a deserved try after terrorising the Waratahs’ defence down the left edge.

The bonus-point victory improved last year’s grand finalists to 5-3 as they chase the top four, while the Waratahs (2-6) cling to eighth.

“It’s not great for the organisation, having 50 put on you, but sometimes you’ve got to lose a battle to win a war,” coach Darren Coleman told Stan Sport.

Coleman said all of the side’s Wallabies squad members had taken their required rest and many others were soon to return from injury for a run home that includes four home games.

“We can get an unimpeded run at the last six (games), get ourselves into some form and in a good position for the play-offs,” he said.

Winger Dylan Pietsch was one of the Waratahs’ best and managed a try to show for it, running onto an inside ball and then pinning his ears back to make it 41-14.

Teddy Wilson scored his maiden Super try, dummying and beating the line for a neat five-pointer la te in the contest for the visitors once the contest w as dead.

But the Blues weren’t done,&nb sp;Cameron Suafoa awarded a try to push them over the 50-point mark against the Waratahs for just the second time.