The Hurricanes crushed the Blues in Wellington on Saturday to set up a Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs.
The table-toppers scored nine tries and powered away in the second half to claim a 57-21 victory.
They will remain in Wellington for their first final appearance since 2016, when they won their lone title, against a Chiefs side chasing their third title.
The Hurricanes struggled for early rhythm and only led 19-14 at the break.
But they then turned up the tempo and scored quick tries through scrumhalf Cam Roigard and wing Josh Moorby – the 100th of the season for the Hurricanes.
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Hooker Asafo Aumua was also among the second-half try-scorers and said he wasn’t surprised by the tight half-time scoreline.
“We knew that was coming, we knew that the Blues are a very tough side, especially physically,” Aumua said. “We had to keep grinding it out and reap the rewards in that second half.
“We’ve been together a few years, this group we have right now, and it’s special we’re in the final. Now we’ve just got to take it day by day and make the most next week.”
The Hurricanes’ first-half tries went to Jordie Barrett, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Xavier Numia, while replacements Ere Enari and Kini Naholo also dotted down in the dying minutes.
A clinical finish from Ereatara Enari!
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The Blues ended the season in a slump, losing their last five games heavily, including a qualifying playoff last week against the Crusaders, before advancing to the last four as “lucky losers”.
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They were considered long shots to topple the Hurricanes, who had won both regular season matches between the sides by 23 points.
With or without the ball, the Hurricanes are so dangerous
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#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #SRPFinals #HURvBLU pic.twitter.com/RXjkMe8GiR
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) June 13, 2026
The Blues’ hopes weren’t helped by losing outside backs Caleb Clarke and AJ Lam early in the match after both failed head injury assessments.
Their tries were scored by lock Patrick Tuipulotu, replacement wing Payton Spencer and replacement hooker Eli Oudenryn, while fullback Beauden Barrett landed three conversions.
The game was the last in charge for head coach Vern Cotter, who steered the Blues to the 2024 title.
Cotter will lead the Queensland Reds next year, replacing Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss.
– AFP
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Hurricanes power past Blues appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Hurricanes crushed the Blues in Wellington on Saturday to set up a Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs.
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