The Blues led by 22-10 at half-time and they kept the visitors scoreless in the second stanza.

The Aucklanders scored six tries through Rieko Ioane (2), Stephen Perofeta, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Hoskins Sotutu and a penalty try. Blues flyhalf Otere Black slotted three conversions and a penalty goal, while replacement back Harry Plummer added a conversion.

The Emirates Lions could only reply with a solitary try through Dan Kriel while Elton Jantjies added the rest of the points via a conversion and a penalty goal.

The bonus-point victory moved the Blues to the top of the New Zealand Conference table as they continue their impressive start to the season. However, the Emirates Lions will be desperate for improvement as they remain bottom of the South African Conference.

In next weekend's fixtures, the Blues host the Brumbies at Eden Park while the Highvelders travel to Dunedin to face the Highlanders.

Scorers:

Blues 43 (22) - Tries: Rieko Ioane (2), Stephen Perofeta, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Hoskins Sotutu, Penalty try. Conversions: Otere Black (3), Harry Plummer. Penalty goal: Black.

Emirates Lions 10 (10) – Try: Dan Kriel. Conversion: Elton Jantjies. Penalty goal: Jantjies.