AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Hoskins Sotutu scored two tries to help the Auckland-based Blues rout the ACT Brumbies 46-7 on Saturday, highlighting a gulf between top New Zealand and Australian teams in Super Rugby Pacific.
The Blues and Brumbies came into the match jointly in second place behind the unbeaten Hurricanes. But after an indecisive first 10 minutes, the Blues simply overwhelmed their opponents in wet and slippery conditions and posted their largest-ever win over the Canberra-based Brumbies.
After a day of torrential rain in Auckland, the match seemed likely to become a kicking contest. Instead, the Blues kept the ball in hand and the Brumbies, who are the best of Australia’s teams, couldn’t compete against the Blues’ big ball runners, among them Sotutu and Caleb Clarke.
By halftime, the Blues had scored three tries including Sotutu’s double and the Brumbies had been forced to make four times as many tackles as their opponents. Sotutu is the top try-scorer after nine rounds of the tournament with eight tries.
Nigella Lawson, 64, reveals she would 'never take Ozempic' as a weight
Rublev beats Fritz to reach Madrid Open final against Auger
Marco Reus to leave Borussia Dortmund at end of season after 12 years
Antetokounmpo sits, Lillard returns as Bucks face Pacers in Game 6 of playoff series
Celebrity tequila brands, like George Clooney
Kylie Minogue reveals her unlikely friendship with Coldplay's Chris Martin
German foreign minister says Russia will face consequences for monthslong cyber espionage
Black trainer Larry Demeritte brings his $11,000 horse to the Kentucky Derby
Padres second baseman Xander Bogaerts leaves game against Braves with shoulder injury
Mike Riley, former coach at Oregon State and Nebraska, will take over for Pat Chun on CFP committee
Dame Judi Dench's tears as she receives Sycamore Gap tree seedling at Chelsea Flower Show
Berlin’s government offers to give away villa once owned by Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels