Hurricanes Dominate Reds in Super Rugby Pacific Stunner
The Wellington Hurricanes have once again asserted their dominance over the Queensland Reds, delivering a resounding 52-14 victory on home turf. This commanding performance not only extends their impressive winning streak against the Reds but also solidifies their position at the pinnacle of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
The match, held in Wellington on Saturday, saw the Reds falter under relentless pressure, with crucial turnovers in attack and midfield proving to be their undoing. The free-wheeling Hurricanes capitalised on every opportunity, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive grit.
This latest triumph marks the Hurricanes’ 11th consecutive win against the Queensland-based outfit and their 12th in a row on home soil, a streak that stretches back to 1998. The bonus-point victory not only halted a four-game winning run for the Reds (now with a 4-2 record) but also saw the Hurricanes (5-1) further extend their lead at the top of the ladder.
For the Reds, the result presents a significant challenge. Coach Les Kiss will undoubtedly have much to analyse, particularly given the team’s fourth-place standing. To harbour any hopes of securing a top-three finish and the coveted home final advantage, the Reds will need to find a way to achieve success in New Zealand throughout the remainder of the season.
Reds captain Fraser McReight acknowledged the stark reality of the scoreboard. “The scoreboard is the reality of that performance,” he stated, conceding that significant work lies ahead before their next fixture against the Western Force. McReight admitted that after a promising start, the team deviated from their game plan. “We were great in that 15 minutes after conceding early points, then went against our game plan and a good team is going to hold you to it,” he explained.
The Hurricanes’ offensive onslaught was spearheaded by winger Fehi Fineanganofo, who notched a remarkable hat-trick within the hour. The majority of the Hurricanes’ eight tries came directly from Reds turnovers, often occurring when the visitors were pushing to score.
A crucial moment in the first half saw a disallowed breakaway try for Jordie Barrett, followed shortly by an impressive, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, juggling effort from Reds centre Isaac Henry from a lineout set piece. This 14-point swing, had it gone differently, could have kept the Reds within striking distance, who trailed 24-14 at halftime.
However, the Hurricanes, who have already posted three scores exceeding 50 points this season, showed no signs of relenting. Their relentless pressure continued in the second half. Warner Dearns was instrumental in extending their lead, pouncing on a loose ball from a lineout and surging over for an opportunistic try down the sideline.
Fineanganofo then sealed the contest with his second and third tries in quick succession, both originating from midfield turnovers by the Reds, with a substantial 20 minutes still remaining on the clock. The Hurricanes’ attacking versatility was further highlighted when Vernon Bason crossed for a rolling maul try with just five minutes left, bringing up the half-century. The home side demonstrated a varied attacking approach, effectively dismantling what had been a solid Reds defence throughout the season.
A standout performer for the Hurricanes was cult hero and captain Du’Plessis Kirifi. Making his first start of the season after recovering from a calf injury, the flanker was a dynamic presence. His ecstatic celebration after pilfering the ball to prevent a near-certain Reds try late in the game, even when the outcome was already decided, underscored his immense contribution and passion.
“We knew they’d be fast and physical and move us around the park … we used our shoulders to do the talking tonight,” Kirifi said. He emphasised the importance of defence to the team’s philosophy. “We want that (defence) to be a cornerstone of our game. We all have the ability to change the game with our shoulders, then we get the ball in hand.”
Meanwhile, Wallabies flyhalf Tom Lynagh made his first appearance of the season, coming on for Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the 62nd minute. Despite his arrival, Lynagh was unable to significantly impact the game’s trajectory as the Hurricanes continued their dominant display.
