Match Centre: Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes 54-28 Rebels

Hurricanes 54-28 Rebels, Central Energy Trust Arena

Hurricanes consolidated their position at the top as they defeated Rebels 54-28 in the latest round of the Super Rugby Pacific at Central Energy Trust Arena on Friday.

Hurricanes now have five wins from as many games as they consolidated their position at the top while Rebels are at seventh place after losing their third game.

Hurricanes looked threatening as Ngatungane Punivai led the charge and Daniel Sinkinson came close to scoring before he was stopped inches before the line. Nevertheless, they eventually got the breakthrough in the 13th minute when Salesi Rayasi went over the line after collecting a wide pass from TJ Perenara in the 12th minute.

Few minutes later they doubled their tally as Perenara once again played a pivotal role in setting up Jordie Barrett over the line on his return from a five-week suspension. Aidan Morgan kicked both the conversions as the home side raced to a 14-0 lead.

With the momentum on their side, Hurricanes continued to dominate with Harry Godfrey floating pass from Rayasi to touchdown for his second try and Brad Shields also making a comeback scored their fourth try in the 24th minute as they claimed the bonus point. Morgan kicked the conversion as the Canes stretched their lead to 26-0.

The troubles mounted for the Rebels as Perenara, Kirifi and Rayasi combined to send Harry Godfrey over the line for their fifth try before Rebels eventually got their first points Angelo Smith going over the line at the stroke of half time with the teams completing the opening half with a 33-7 scoreline.

The start of the second half saw Lukas Ripley and Du'Plessis Kirifi exchanging tries O'Reilly sent an offload for Perenara to dot down making it 47-14 by the end of the 57th minute. Mason Gordon gave Rebels some hope as he exhibited great speed going past Rayasi to touchdown but his effort was negated with Jordie's second try as Hurricanes breached the 50 point mark.

The closing stage of the game saw Jordan Uelese score a consolation try for Rebels as Hurricanes completed a 54-28 victory.

Team line up:

Hurricanes XV: Pouri Rakete-Stones, James O'Reilly, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields (c), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Ngane Punivai, Daniel Sinkinson, Harry Godfrey

Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, James Tucker, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Riley Higgins, Josh Moorby

Rebels XV: Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Angelo Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, David Feliuai, Lukas Ripley, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway

Reserves: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste