Hurricanes thump Reds 52-14 in Wellington

Hurricanes 52-14 Reds, Hnry Stadium

The Hurricanes produced a dominant performance in Wellington to defeat the Queensland Reds 52-14 and strengthen their position at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table.

The home side were ruthless in capitalising on Reds turnovers and defensive gaps, turning a competitive first half into a one-sided result with a powerful surge after the break.

Hurricanes Punish Reds Errors

The Hurricanes were sharp from the outset and made the most of poor Reds ball security. Queensland’s turnovers in attack and midfield repeatedly gave the hosts chances to strike, and they took them with pace and precision.

Winger Fehi Fineanganofo was the standout in the finishing department, completing a hat-trick before the hour mark as the Hurricanes ran in eight tries overall. The home side were especially dangerous in transition, moving the ball quickly and attacking space whenever the Reds lost control.

Although the Hurricanes had an early try disallowed, they still built pressure consistently and looked the more threatening side throughout the opening half.

Reds Stay In Touch Before Break

Despite the Hurricanes’ control, the Reds managed to stay in the contest for a time. A key moment came when a disallowed runaway try for the hosts was followed soon after by an Isaac Henry score for Queensland, producing a significant swing that helped keep the visitors within reach.

The Reds went into halftime trailing 24-14, still with hope despite being second best for much of the half. There were moments when Queensland looked capable of mounting a challenge, but they were unable to sustain pressure for long enough to trouble the Hurricanes consistently.

Fineanganofo Hat-Trick Seals Result

The second half quickly turned into a procession for the home side. Warner Dearns pounced on a loose lineout moment to score, and that opened the way for the Hurricanes to pull clear.

Fineanganofo then struck twice in quick succession, both tries coming from midfield turnovers as the Reds’ attacking shape fell apart under pressure. Those scores effectively ended the contest with around 20 minutes still left to play.

Vernon Bason later added a rolling maul try to take the Hurricanes past 50 points, underlining the variety and control in their attacking game.

Team line up:

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

Reserves: 16 Vernon Bason, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Lucas Cashmore, 23 Jone Rova

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (captain), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross

Reserves: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Treyvon Pritchard