Blues Dominate Waratahs: Claim Third Straight Super Rugby Pacific Win

The Blues secured a 35-20 victory over the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night, completing a 27-point unanswered run after a promising first half from the home side. The win marks the Blues’ third consecutive victory in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, elevating their record to 4-2.

The Waratahs, initially displaying strong attacking intent, struggled to convert opportunities into points, leaving several potential tries unfinished. Fullback Sid Harvey’s early attempts to score were thwarted by resilient Blues defense, and a chip kick from hooker Ethan Dobbin also failed to yield a try. Despite dominating territory for much of the first half, the Waratahs managed only three points from Harvey, following an early try conceded to Blues No.9 Finlay Christie.

The Blues’ comeback was particularly notable given a period where they played with a man down. No.8 Malachi Wrampling-Alec received a yellow card for a high tackle on Dobbin, but the Waratahs were unable to capitalize on the numerical advantage. The Blues’ defensive scramble proved crucial in denying the Waratahs further scoring opportunities.

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with the Blues scoring 27 consecutive points. The Waratahs’ struggles were compounded by an injury to an outside centre prior to kickoff – the second time in three matches the team has faced such a disruption, following a hamstring tear to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii weeks earlier. Lawson Creighton was forced to partner Joey Walton in the midfield.

Waratahs centre Walton, playing in his 50th appearance for the team, expressed frustration with the team’s inability to finish scoring chances. “We left about six tries out there,” he said after the match. The loss represents the Waratahs’ third straight defeat, causing them to fall out of the top six in the Super Rugby Pacific standings for the first time this season.

The Blues’ victory also secured a record 12th successive win over a Super Rugby rival, a feat not achieved in 30 years. Blues captain Dalton Papali’i has consistently emphasized the importance of demonstrating fight on the pitch, and the team delivered on that expectation in Sydney. According to the NZ Herald, the Blues now sit second in the Super Rugby Pacific standings.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar visibly expressed his frustration during the match, as his team squandered numerous opportunities. The team’s next match is yet to be announced, while the Blues will continue their campaign, aiming to build on their current winning streak.