The NSW Waratahs were unable to overcome an early deficit as they fall to the Blues in Auckland 41-12.
Darren Coleman’s side had an early lead but found themselves trailing for the majority of the game and were unable to claw they way back.
The NSW Waratahs struck first blood through Izaia Perese and Ned Hanigan. Perese would take a kick in play and break through the line from the 50, he would then throw the ball to Hanigan who in turn would run over the line 22 meters untouched.
The Blues would quickly strike back with Barrett kicking three points and the first points of the Blues.
Through some silky hands the home side put together a brilliant team try and Finlay Christie would finish it off.
The Waratahs had some great looks throughout the first half, including two lineouts within the Blues 5 metres.
However, as a unit they were unable to convert, and the Blues took advantage of this missed opportunity.
Right before half time the home side extended their lead through Nepo Laulala. Through 11 phases the Blues burrowed their way over and went into the sheds ahead 17-7.
The Blues picked up where they left off with two quick tries to start the second half. One from Rick Riccitelli off the back of a rolling maul and the second coming from Zarn Sullivan crossing in the corner.
The men in sky blue would battle out the rest of the half and the casualty ward began to fill up with the likes of Gleeson, Gamble and Perese.
With the injury list filling up Mark Telea would grab a run-away try take the score to 38-7
The Waratahs would grab a try back, with Ben Donaldson finding Dylan Pietsch with a cross field kick.
The Blues would score the final points kicking a penalty goal to finish the game 41-12 victors.
Jed Holloway said: “To be honest inconsistency all game.
“Its disappointing, a couple of great men, Hooper, Faulkner and Latu, disappointing we send them out like that
“Disciple and breakdown, they made a mess of our breakdown and we paid for it
“We are gutted we let out people in NSW down”
The NSW Waratahs bow out in the Quarter Finals and finish their Super Rugby Pacific 2023 campaign.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
WARATAHS (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Nephi Leatigaga, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Langi Gleeson, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson
RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Taleni Seu, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Lalakai Foketi
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
