Canes blow away Drua in capital
Hurricanes blast Drua with 11 tries on their first trip to NZ in competition
There were no signs of any increased competitiveness in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes humbled the Fijian Drua in Wellington. The home side racked up 11 tries to record the biggest margin of victory this season, ensuring the Drua’s first trip to New Zealand ended up being one to forget.
Despite resting a few big names, the Hurricanes proved far too lethal when enjoying a monopoly on possession and facing an opposition that offered little.
Josh Moorby scored a hat-trick of tries after starting in place of Jordie Barrett while Billy Proctor and Wes Goosen bagged braces as first fiveeighth Aidan Morgan helped the Hurricanes attack click in a way that it infrequently has this season.
The Hurricanes remained seventh despite the big victory, but they did increase their chances of sneaking into the top four ahead of the quarterfinals. The Fijian Drua, meanwhile, can quickly turn their attention to a clash with fellow new boys Moana Pasifika this weekend.
Aside from a staunch opening 10 minutes in defence, the Drua were overpowered by a Hurricanes side hurting from last week’s loss to the Brumbies.
The visitors made 27 tackles in the first three minutes to withstand some early pressure but once Moorby opened the scoring in the 16th minute, slipping through a hole after a lineout move, there was little more resistance offered.
The defensive frailty was perhaps understandable given the amount of work the Drua were being asked to do. The Hurricanes enjoyed 65 per cent possession in the first 40 minutes, and they were clinical and merciless.
That was especially true as soon as the game became stretched, with another good run from Moorby setting up the second try for Asafo Aumua.
Proctor scored the third after being played in nicely by Salesi Rayasi’s speed and delayed pass, while Moorby continued an outstanding half by finishing off another lineout move to make it 26-0 at the break.
The Hurricanes picked up where they left off to grab their fifth try less than two minutes into the second spell, with another lineout move involving Moorby this time being spread further wide for Goosen to cross.
If the big lead had been built by Moorby flourishing in the absence of Barrett, it was Ardie Savea’s replacement who created the sixth and seventh tries, debutant Tyler Laubscher showing strength to set up Goosen and then quick hands to release Isaia Walker-Leawere.
The Hurricanes were able to further enhance a pleasing afternoon by introducing Owen Franks for his franchise debut and Dane Coles for his first appearance since November.
The changes did nothing to limit their threat, with Rayasi collecting the try his performance deserved before Proctor nabbed a second and Moorby went over for a third.
The Drua at least gave their fans something to cheer about with Onisi Ratave’s try — coming after his side had made their first visit to the opposition 22 in the 66th minute — before Justin Sangster completed the rout.