Rugby: Waratahs down Blues to end Auckland hoodoo

Waratahs first-five Daniel Halagahu scored 17 points in his side's 27-22 win over the Blues. Photo / Getty Images.

The New South Wales Waratahs snapped their Auckland rugby jinx and delivered the Blues a Super 14 body blow with a 27-22 win here tonight.

Displaying more control, the Waratahs recorded their first win in seven visits to Auckland to climb to the top of the standings at the start of round seven.

The Blues climb temporarily to fourth with a bonus point but can expect to slump into a congested mid-table, leaving coach Pat Lam with headaches through their bye week over how to turn around some faltering form.

It was at least a better defensive display than last week's 34-63 capitulation against the Chiefs but the Blues were still outplayed on a night that was supposed to celebrate captain Keven Mealamu's 100th Super rugby appearance.

The Waratahs forwards were shaky at lineout time but more cohesive on the drive and at the breakdown while their defensive patterns around the fringes were superior to the hosts.

Both teams scored three tries but the five-from-six goalkicking return of Waratahs first five-eighth Daniel Halangahu proved the difference.

Halangahu was steadier than the man he replaced for this game, the more erratic Kurtley Beale, typifying their efficient team display.

Halfback Luke Burgess was also a standout with his dangerous sniping before being replaced early in the second spell.

The Blues started without injured prop Tony Woodcock and lost fellow All Black Ali Williams inside the first half hour when the lock suffered a lower leg injury.

Despite the result, Mealamu could reflect on a fighting display from his team.

"I'm really proud of the boys, it was a big improvement on our defence," he said.

"We played quite well, we were just unlucky. Some weeks you don't get things go your way, but it's a big step up from last week."

Waratahs counterpart Phil Waugh lauded his team's ability to keep their heads when the Blues applied heat late in both halves.

"It's about the gain line these days. Controlling field position and holding onto the ball in their half," he said..

"We did that well in the first 20min and again at the start of the second half.

"We didn't play the 80 so we've still got plenty to work on but it's a good win."

Waugh said three looming home games were now crucial if they are to reach the playoffs.

A period of sustained Waratahs attack resulted in the opening try to Halangahu, who surged over next to the post moments after impressive prop Benn Robinson was denied by the third match official.

Halangahu's conversion and subsequent penalty opened up a 10-0 lead before Blues winger Anthony Tuitavake responded with a sublime individual try, beating two defenders down the right touchline before scorching 45m to score.

The Blues scrum was twisted on the half-hour, resulting in a loose pass from No 8 Jerome Kaino which was intercepted by a delighted Burgess.

His try extended the lead to 17-8 but a yellow card to Waratahs No 8 Wycliff Palu for a deliberate foul and resulting Gopperth penalty gave some hope to the hosts.

They couldn't capitalise on their numerical advantage in the 10min before halftime but crossed soon after the break through flanker Onosai Auva'a off a loose Waratahs lineout.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau made amends for a sketchy night of throwing when he scored from a lineout drive and Halangahu's third penalty had the visitors 27-15 up with 15min remaining.

Replacement second five-eighth Michael Hobbs brought the Blues within range with a quality team try but they kicked away possession over the closing minutes to cede the match.

- NZPA