Hurricanes vs Reds takes: Hold on, Hurricanes; Newcastle got a good one

Another 50-piece from the Hurricanes has delivered another statement that Clark Laidlaw’s men are serious contenders in 2026, and ended the Reds’ four-game win streak.

The hosts would have had a 31-7 lead after just half an hour were it not for a TMO intervention, and the Reds took the opportunity to instead reduce their deficit to 24-14 at the break.

That scoreline kept things tense coming into the second half, but three tries in the next 14 minutes ensured another hefty Hurricanes win.

The visitors were the more disciplined side and largely more secure with the ball, but that didn’t count for much in the end, with the Hurricanes emerging as 52-14 victors.

Here are some takeaways from the result.

Newcastle got a good one

Fehi Fineanganofo has been one of the form wingers in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, but it’s not like this form has come out of nowhere.

A powerful force for the All Blacks Sevens in his two years with the team, the 23-year-old’s abrasive dynamism made for many a highlight.

While his rookie year in Super Rugby Pacific only offered inconsistent minutes behind Kini Naholo and Ngane Punivai, the game time Fineanganofo did get was impactful, with some of the most effective carry stats in club rugby.

In 2026, the youngster has been given the opportunity to shine, and has taken it with both hands. His five linebreaks in the attacking 22m zone are the most in the competition; the six tries he had coming into Saturday’s contest already placed him second equal on the season tally; and his three more against the Reds saw him separate from Max Jorgensen and tie Charlie Cale for first on that list. He’s also seventh for try assists, fourth in meters carried, 10th in defenders beaten — the list goes on.

In the Kiwi capital on Saturday, the winger’s aerial skills were a big asset for his team, and his defensive anticipation and pace were key to him scoring his second hat-trick of the year.

Kiwis can only hope Fineanganofo returns after the two-year deal he’s signed with Newcastle, because he is proving to be one of the most productive attacking talents in Super Rugby.

Player Carries

1

Fraser McReight

12

2

Fehi Fineanganofo

11

3

Du'Plessis Kirifi

11

Hold on, Hurricanes 

The Hurricanes have been dominant on both sides of the ball in 2026, scoring at an unparalleled rate (42.6 points per game before this 52-point performance) and conceding fewer points than any other side.

The physicality of the pack and the ability to steal breakdown ball constantly disrupted the Reds’ attack in round 7, with a remarkable conversion rate of 4.7 points per 22m entry highlighting the Canes’ finishing prowess.

The Canes’ ball-handling at the line looks to be the best in the comp, with Jordie Barrett’s playmaking in particular starring.

This team is full of confidence, much more so than any of their opponents at this stage in the season.

However, the best team at the start of the season is rarely the best at the end of it, and the Hurricanes have started hot before.

There’s no doubt the Wellingtonians are showing their title credentials, but no one will need to tell Wellington fans the importance of peaking at the right end of a season, with years of quality teams and just one Super Rugby title to show for it.

The Hurricanes’ biggest statistical weaknesses are their tackle percentage, lineout success rate, and vulnerability to turnovers. Those are some key creases to iron out as the club looks to learn from the mistakes of years gone by and save their best for last.

Reds missing their Wallabies

The Reds will be disappointed with their game management in Wellington, but surely will find some relief in the fact that they were missing their preferred halves pairing.

The team has looked far more capable and threatening with Carter Gordon running the show this season, but a lower leg complaint kept him out of the Hurricanes showdown.

Tate McDermott is due for a return sometime in the not-too-distant future as well, and Tom Lynagh made a brief cameo off the bench in his 2026 season debut in this one.

All of the above players’ experience would have been invaluable in Saturday night’s loss, with the Reds’ kicking game in particular missing the mark and failing to put the Hurricanes under pressure. Josh Moorby and Ruben Love were given plenty of time and space to receive kicks and were able to consistently find space in the Reds’ backfield.

Filipo Daugunu was a strong chaser, but the Reds got very little pay out of their kicking game on the whole.