53-26 WIN OVER THE WARATAHS AT EDEN PARK.

We have gained the important win to ensure we will be in the top four for the playoffs and a home quarterfinal after the 53-26 win over the Waratahs at Eden Park.

It gives us a seven-point buffer over the Crusaders and the Brumbies.

The Blues managed eight tries – with doubles to Bryce Heem (who came on early for Rieko Ioane), Caleb Clarke and Soane Vikena and one each to Beauden Barrett and Stephen Perofeta who also bagged a penalty and five conversions.

It has lifted Stephen to 99 points for the season – and becomes the top points scorer in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The boys made a stronger start with an early penalty and two tries but the Reds, who have had a good record against us over the years, fought back to close at 22-14 at the break.

The team were disappointed with their discipline, to give away costly penalties but refocused at the break and came out fizzing with two tries in five minutes to Caleb Clarke and a stunner by Beauden Barrett.

While the visitors managed two more tries late on, the Blues bagged one to Perofeta while Soane Vikena came on at hooker to score two late tries from rolling mauls to sign off the 53-26 win.

“The win and the five points were critical for us in the competition,” said Leon MacDonald. “Some of our attack was superb and I thought we defended well. But the penalties we conceded were costly and gave them access to our 22.

I am sure the boys were a bit frustrated to concede a couple of tries. We gave away the penalties in eagerness to do well for the team but if we trust our D, it looks really good.”

Beauden Barrett said the team had produced a good win but now had to focus on two big games away against the Brumbies in Canberra and Waratahs in Sydney – both massive challenges.

“We did not play well in our two away games and this is a challenge for us to produce two good performances especially starting this week in Canberra.”