Hurricanes beat Blues 42-19 in Wellington

Fijian Drua 24-22 Western Force, Wellington

The Hurricanes underlined their title credentials with a commanding 42-19 victory over the Blues in Wellington, producing a fast, clinical and highly physical performance to take control of a major Super Rugby Pacific clash.

In a game that carried clear top-of-the-table weight, the hosts were sharper in the key moments and made the Blues pay whenever space opened up.

Hurricanes Race Into Early Control

The home side made the perfect start and were on the board in just the fourth minute. Returning fullback Callum Harkin ran a sharp line and broke through to score the opening try, immediately giving the Hurricanes momentum.

They kept pressing and soon doubled their lead through Billy Proctor, who finished after the hosts smothered the Blues with sustained pressure and quick attacking ball. At 14-0, the Hurricanes looked fully in control.

The Blues, however, gradually settled and found a way back into the match. AJ Lam got them on the board after a better attacking spell, and the visitors then closed the gap further when Codemeru Vai produced strong hands to create space for Caleb Clarke, who finished well in the corner. That cut the margin to just two points and brought the contest back to life.

Fineanganofo And Aumua Shift Momentum

Just when the Blues appeared to be building something, the Hurricanes responded strongly. Cam Roigard made the initial break and Fehi Fineanganofo finished the move to steady the home side and push them back in front. That score gave the Hurricanes a 21-12 lead at halftime.

The hosts then made another strong start after the break. Asafo Aumua powered over from a rolling maul to extend the advantage, as the Hurricanes once again showed their ability to mix direct forward pressure with sharp finishing.

Roigard’s kicking game also became a major factor, constantly putting the Blues under pressure and forcing errors in difficult areas of the field.

Blues Push Back But Hurricanes Finish Strong

The match swung briefly when Fineanganofo was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Mason Tupaea. With the extra man, the Blues gained field position and capitalised through Malachi Wrampling, cutting into the lead and raising hopes of a comeback.

But the Hurricanes did not lose control. Harkin struck again when he gathered Ruben Love’s deflected grubber kick and dived over for his second try of the match, restoring breathing room for the hosts.

Roigard then sealed the result with a quick-tap try in the closing stages, capping an influential performance and confirming a 42-19 win.

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (co-captain), 11 Ruben Love, 10 Cam Roigard, 9 Peter Lakai, 8 Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), 7 Devan Flanders, 6 Warner Dearns, 5 Caleb Delany, 4 Pasilio Tosi, 3 Asafo Aumua, 2 Xavier Numia, 1 Fehi Fineanganofo

Reserves: 16 Raymond Tuputupu, 17 Siale Laukai, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Brayden Iose, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Jone Rova

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Caleb Clarke, 11 Beauden Barrett, 10 Finlay Christie, 9 Malachi Wrampling, 8 Anton Segner, 7 Che Clark, 6 Sam Darry (captain), 5 Josh Beehre, 4 Marcel Renata, 3 Bradley Slater, 2 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 1 Xavi Taele

Reserves: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Tristyn Cook, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Pita Ahki, 23 Payton Spencer