The Blues ended the Highlanders three-match winning streak in rugby's Super 14, taking advantage of a fast start and a red card issued to Jimmy Cowan to post a 26-6 victory at Eden Park.
Tthe Highlanders captain will face a judiciary hearing after referee Stuart Dickenson sent him off in the 60th minute for a late shoulder charge on Jimmy Gopperth.
The Blues first-five was making a clearing kick deep inside his in-goal area when he was flattened.
The Highlanders hooker David Hall was also sin-binned in the first half for a professional foul at the breakdown.
However the Blues failed to take full advantage of playing 14 men for 30 minutes and didn't score their fourth try until the 77th minute when Joe Rokocoko broke out from his own half.
The All Black wing was caught five metres out but scored after two quick rucks.
Isai Toeava, Taniela Moa and Jimmy Gopperth scored the other tries and Gopperth kicked three conversions.
