WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Hurricanes have rebounded decisively from their first loss of the season in Super Rugby Pacific, scoring seven tries Friday in a 41-12 bonus point win over the New South Wales Waratahs.
The Wellington-based Hurricanes’ unbeaten start to the season came to an end after eight matches last weekend when they lost in Canberra to the Brumbies.
The Hurricanes fielded a much-changed team Friday — and were forced to call on their fourth-string hooker after a series of injuries in that position — but made an emphatic return to form, scoring four tries to lead 26-0 after 27 minutes.
The Hurricanes weren’t able to keep up that start and it wasn’t until the 60th that they added a fifth try through replacement winger Salesi Rayasi.
That restored the Hurricanes’ momentum and Rayasi scored again in the 70th minute. Between tries he left the field to receive treatment for a dislocated finger.