Hurricanes blow away Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby

Moana Pasifika’s torrid start to this season’s Super Rugby Pacific goes on thanks to a 59-0 hammering by the title-chasing Hurricanes in Auckland.

Revenge was in the air for the Hurricanes, who this time last year lost to a golden-point try from Danny Toala as Moana Pasifika recorded their first-ever victory in the competition.

There never looked likely to be a repeat at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday.

The win moved the Hurricanes – whose only defeat in five games this season has come at the hands of fellow New Zealanders the Blues – up to second in the ladder, four points behind the unbeaten Chiefs.

They also boast a league-leading points difference of plus-110.

Things are not looking so bright for Moana Pasifika, who suffered a fifth straight loss and have now conceded 121 points in their last two matches.

At least they got on the board in last weekend’s 62-36 defeat at the ACT Brumbies. On Saturday they had no such luck, blowing what chances they did create.

Winger Tima Fainga’anuku went closest to scoring for the hosts, but a foot in touch ruled out his effort.

A game-ending first-minute injury to No.8 Lotu Inisi set the tone, and Moana Pasifika never recovered as Joshua Moorsby, Brett Cameron and Cam Roigard crossed to give the Hurricanes a 19-0 lead at halftime.

The second period continued in much the same vein, with Moana Pasifika unable to capitalise on opportunities, and the Hurricanes ruthless in their execution.

Winger Kini Naholo extended their lead after 55 minutes, before his counterpart on the other flank, Salesi Rayasi, scored the first of his second-half double 120 seconds later.

Rayasi grabbed his second of the game on 66 minutes, and moments later skipper Ardie Savea scored under the posts as the Hurricanes threatened to blow their opponents away.

Hame Faiva and Peter Lakai added furt her tries to complete the rout, with Moana Pasifika h eading back to the drawing board before next Friday’s clash with the Highlanders.

The Hurricanes welcome the Western Force to Palmerston North next Sunday.