Blues hooker Atlanta Lolohea - Super Rugby Aupiki - Blues v Hurricanes Poua at Eden Park, Auckland. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The Blues women have sent a strong statement ahead of the Super Rugby Aupiki final.
The defending champions will look to defend their crown at home against Matatū next weekend after closing out their regular season with a 49-26 win over Hurricanes Poua in Auckland.
Up just 21-14 at halftime, the Blues ran riot in the second to confirm their status as favourites for the 2025 title.
Some individual brilliance from Taufa Bason saw her open the scoring after four minutes with a stunner from halfway, but Poua struck back quickly through Ngano Tavake.
Another superb Bason burst sent Jaymie Kolose streaking away for a Blue's second, but again Poua replied promptly, with Forne Burkin getting the try from a short range pick and go.
Atlanta Lolohea put the Blues back in front with a typically powerful run, with the home side taking a seven-point lead into the break.
Ruahei Demant extended the advantage shortly after half-time, but Poa weren't lying down, with Layla Sae getting them right back in the contest.
However, further tries for Danii Mafoe, Patricia Maliepo and Maama Vaipulu sealed things in style for the hosts, almost notching a half century in a dominant second half performance.
Catch up with all the action as it happened below:
