Hurricanes shatter try record to set up mouthwatering grand final
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The Hurricanes can lay claim to being the most lethal attacking force in Super Rugby history as they laid waste to the bumbling Blues in Saturday’s semi-final.
Clark Laidlaw’s crack class of 2026 became the first team in the competition’s 30-year span to score 100 tries in a season as they ran in nine in the 57-21 romp.
Siale Lauaki, Brayden Iose and Jone Rova of the Hurricanes celebrate the win. Getty
That record - an average of more than six tries per game - comes with the caveat that there were fewer games played in many previous seasons.
The Hurricanes finished the night on 104 with a home grand final against the Chiefs on June 20 to come.
The previous record was also held by the Hurricanes, who scored 97 in 2017.
And yet, the Hurricanes only led 19-14 at half time in Wellington. The hosts were a bit sloppy in the first 40 minutes and the Blues largely defended well.
But Hurricanes coach Laidlaw asked his men to up the tempo in the second half and that they did in an explosive display of power and pace in front of 24,000.
Josh Moorby continued his push for a maiden All Blacks call-up with two tries but Asafo Aumua’s and Kini Naholo’s were the pick of the flurry of five-pointers.
Hooker Aumua steamrolled Stephen Perofeta after Jordie Barrett had sent a cross field kick for Naholo, who skilfully caught the ball and transferred to Aumua while still in the air.
Naholo then channelled Aumua with brute strength of his own when he started and finished a brilliant sweeping team movement.
“This crowd has seen something special in the second half. Just a clinic really,” Ben Castle said in commentary.
Laidlaw had the luxury of pulling some of his stars in the second half while the Blues cause was hurt with the loss of key backs Caleb Clarke, Finlay Christie and AJ Lam to head knocks.
Blues hooker Eli Oudenryn - the son of former Warriors league speedster Lee - gave the visiting fans a little bit of cheer when he showed off his old man’s wheels for a consolation try.
It will be the Hurricanes’ fourth grand final appearance and the first since they won their only title 10 years ago by beating the Lions.
And it is a mouthwatering match-up with the Chiefs, between clearly the best two teams who both went 11-3 in the regular season.
Du’Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes scores a try. Hagen Hopkins
“It’s pretty special,” Hurricanes co-captain Barrett said.
“We’ve had a lot of hurt and there’s a few scars there (from previous seasons) so we’re just massively grateful we put ourselves in this position, to play at home next week against a red-hot Chiefs side.”
The Chiefs qualified for the grand final on Friday, smashing the defending champion Crusaders 49-12 in Hamilton.
The Chiefs have lost the last three title deciders - two against the Crusaders and one against the Blues.
“I think we’re probably just as keen as each other,” Barrett said.
“We’ve both had a bit of pain in the last few years. We’ll digest this win and move onto the Chiefs in about 24 hours. But we’re incredibly proud of this performance tonight. Thanks to everyone that turned up and watched and hopefully we can sell it (Hnry Stadium) out next week.
“It feels like every week now someone’s getting presented their 50th (cap) ring, and it’s a group that’s mature enough - and we’re going to have to be mature enough next week too, and try to go one better.
“There’s a hell of a side that’s waiting for us in the Chiefs and we’ll prepare accordingly. What a challenge.”
Saturday’s match was the last in charge for Blues coach Vern Cotter, who will replace Les Kiss at the helm of the Queensland Reds next season.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC 2026 GRAND FINAL
SATURDAY 20 JUNE: 5.05pm AEST kickoff - Hurricanes (1) vs Chiefs (2) at Hnry Stadium, Wellington
