The Blues have claimed bragging rights with a 43-7 win over Moana Pasifika at Eden Park.

Vern Cotter’s side were tested early on by the visitors, but pulled away late to avenge last year’s loss to their Auckland neighbours.

The big moment in the match came in the 16th minute when Augustine Pulu was red-carded for a high tackle.

Trailing 5-0, Moana Pasifika looked to spark their attack as Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Patrick Pellegrini both broke through, before the latter turned it over.

As Blues scrum half Sam Nock tried his own counter, Pulu collected him in the head, with the initial yellow card upgraded as Nock, who scored the opener, failed his HIA.

His replacement, Taufa Funaki, had an immediate impact, setting up AJ Lam with a grubber kick.

The visitors rallied after Pulu’s fate was confirmed, with Millis Sanerivi getting them on the board in the 26th minute.

Ofa Tu’ungafasi gave the Blues an eight-point lead at the break, but Moana Pasifika had all the running late in the half after two tries were denied due to offside and obstruction, respectively.

A trademark Vern Cotter spray at half-time fired up the Blues as their forwards went to work in the second half.

Marcel Renata and Sam Darry both crossed early in the half to give the hosts a commanding advantage.

Tries to Codemuru Vai and Mason Tupara sealed the blow out win as the Blues jumped to second on the ladder.

They sit on 15 points, sharing top spot with the Hurricanes and ACT Brumbies, as they face a trip to Sydney to face the NSW Waratahs.

Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika remain vaulted to the bottom of the ladder, facing the difficult challenge of hosting the Crusaders next weekend.

Blues 43 (Tries: Tu'ungafasi, Renata, Nock, Darry, Vai, Lam, Tupaea; Cons: Barrett 4) def Moana Pasifika 7 (Tries: Sanerivi; Cons: Pellegrini)

Teams

Blues: 15 Cole Forbes, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i (captain), 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Beehre, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Malachi Wrampling, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Pita Akhi, 23 Zarn Sullivan

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (captain), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Monu Moli, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Veikoso Poloniati, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Joel Lam, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 Tuna Tuitama

Referee: James Doleman
Assistant referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Glenn Newman