It was a tough night for the NSW Waratahs in Newcastle, as they went down to the Auckland Blues 34-12 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
A dreary night in the Hunter suited a big Blues pack, who dominated for large part of the evening. Despite the scoreline, Rob Penney's side showed plenty of fight going into the break only down by a point before two quick-fire tries at the start of the second half made things difficult again.
Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawse both found the tryline, with the latter going over in spectacular fashion bofore having to leave the filed after an awkward landing.
The young flyer would ultimately be alright, but his side could not bridge the gap to the visitors despite creating plenty of opportunities.
It's an Australian derby next up for the Tahs, as they head south to AAMI Park to take on the Rebels
Lineups:
Waratahs:
1. Tom Robertson, 2. Robbie Abel, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Tom Staniforth, 5. Rob Simmons (c), 6. Lachlan Swinton, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Jack Dempsey, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Will Harrison, 11. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 12. Karmichael Hunt, 13. Lalakai Foketi, 14. Alex Newsome, 15. Kurtley Beale Reserves: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Tetera Faulkner, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Jed Holloway, 21. Tepai Moeroa, 22. Mitch Short, 23. Jack Maddocks
Blues:
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Sione Mafileo, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Dalton Papalii, 7. Blake Gibson, 8. Hoskins Sotutu; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Mark Telea, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Joe Marchant, 14. Jordan Hyland, 15. Matt Duffie Reserves: 16. James Parsons, 17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Tom Robinson, 20. Akira Ioane; 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Emoni Narawa
Milestones:
Highlights:
TRY | Stopping Lalakai Foketi one-on-one, better luck next time Blues! #WARvBLU
— FOX SPORTS Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) February 8, 2020
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