Brumbies blown away by electrifying Hurricanes in Christchurch

Calamitous first-half kicking gave the ACT Brumbies no hope as the table-topping Hurricanes struck a blow for New Zealand rugby in a 45-12 Super Round win.

The bonus point victory pushed the Hurricanes (7-2) to the top of the ladder and left the Brumbies (5-5) in danger of slipping to sixth, after the Crusaders had jumped them into fourth on Friday thanks to a bonus-point win against the NSW Waratahs.

It was the Brumbies’ first loss to New Zealand opposition in five games this season. But two losses to Fijian Drua – as well as defeats against the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds in Canberra – have undone that good work.

New Zealand sides now occupy the top four spots on the ladder, although the Queensland Reds can improve to fourth with a win over the Blues in Saturday’s late game.

Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo (four tries) ran rampant, notching a first-half hat-trick thanks to quick feet and slick hands in a Ruben Love-led backline.

The Brumbies were dealt a blow before kick-off, with talisman prop Allan Alaalatoa ruled out of the game and next week’s clash with the Reds due to concussion.

And it got no better for Stephen Larkham’s men in the first of two Anzac Day clashes at Christchurch’s sold-out One NZ Stadium.

Twice in the first 40 minutes, flyhalf Declan Meredith kicked the ball dead in goal attempting to find touch after winning a penalty.

He was not alone though. Tom Wright struggled with his in-game kicking while Ryan Lonergan and Andy Muirhead both pushed kicks dead to kill any momentum.

Some poor defence and line-out execution also hurt the side, Fineanganofo’s third, after back-to-back Brumbies knock-ons making it 19-0 at halftime.

Larkham replaced prop James Slipper with Blake Schoupp at halftime while Tane Edmed relieved Meredith.

They had some joy, with Corey Toole’s flick pass as he went into touch finding David Feliuai for a Brumbies try.

But the Hurricanes hit right back, the ball kept alive before winger Josh Moorby crashed over for the first of his two tries.

Fineanganofo was able to play to the crowd before jotting down his fourth try, beating Edmed to a loose ball after two Brumbies passes completely missed their mark.

Brumbies replacement Toby MacPherson was denied a try on review when officials deemed he knocked on when reaching for the line.

Toole got one back with a runaway effort with 10 minutes to go, but the Hurricanes replied with two more tries of their own to complete the hiding.