Taufa Funaki's two tries help Blues to 50-3 win over Force in Super Rugby Pacific
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Rookie scrumhalf Taufa Funaki scored two tries and had a hand in two others as the Auckland-based Blues over-ran the last-place Western Force 50-3 Friday at the start of round seven in Super Rugby Pacific.
Funaki took over from All Blacks scrumhalf Finlay Christie as the Blues made nine changes to the starting lineup that beat Moana Pasifika 47-8 in round six.
The strongly-built Funaki was energetic and creative behind a dominant Blues pack, providing handoffs in tries to Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Hoskins Sotutu.
The Blues led 28-3 after scoring four tries in an often ugly first half. Both teams kicked excessively on a dry, warm night and in front of one of the smallest crowds at Eden Park in recent years.
Funaki, center Corey Evans and winger A.J. Lam all were dangerous when they were able to run into space while backrower Akira Ioane created opportunities when he could stand and offload.
The Blues will now head into their bye week with six wins from seven matches; their only loss to the Hurricanes with whom they now have drawn level on points but lead on points differential.
The first half was spoiled by aimless kicking from both sides but the Blues scored first when Funaki passed to Tu'ungafasi after the Blues had attempted a pushover scrum.
Hooker Ricky Riccitelli scored in the 20th minute from a concerted lineout drive by the Blies after a penalty, The Force's only points came from a Ben Donaldson penalty in the 28th minute.
Lock Laghlan McWhannel scored in the 31st minute after winger Caleb Clarke wrested the kickoff from the force and passed to backrower Dalton Papali'i who linked with McWhannel.
Funaki closed out the second half with a spectacular dive for a try at the end of a move started by Akira and Rieko Ioane and continued by Evans.
Sotutu ran off Funaki's pass to crash over at the start of the second half and Funaki completed is double in the 51st minute and Evans scored immediately afterwards as the Blues ran away with the match.
In a late match Friday, the Melbourne Rebels beat the Fijian Drua 41-20. The six-try performance at home by the Rebels moved them into fourth place in the standings.
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