Roigard, Fineanganofo star as Hurricanes hit 50 against Highlanders

Cam Roigard and Fehi Fineanganofo delivered match-defining brilliance as the Hurricanes kept their six-year unbeaten streak against the Highlanders alive, claiming a 38-7 win under the roof at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Legendary All Black Aaron Smith captained the Highlanders when they last defeated their New Zealand rivals from the capital, with Josh Ioane and Mitch Hunt both slotting shots at goal in the 38-21 win on August 8, 2020.

The Highlanders started their 2026 campaign with a dramatic two-point victory over South Island rivals the Crusaders on February 13. But fast-forward to the sixth round of Super Rugby Pacific, the Landers sat in eighth, while the Canes occupied pole position before this match.

Ruben Love was named in the starting side for the first time this season, as the Hurricanes looked to improve their season record to 4-1. Love got the round underway with the kick-off, which led TK Howden to make an immediate impact.

Howden returned the kick with a strong hit-up, running at least 15 metres to start the contest. That effort set the tone for the Highlanders, who made their mark on both sides of the ball, which included a couple of try-saving tackles.

Hurricanes flyer Fineanganofo was stopped a metre short of the try line early on, before lock Warner Dearns looked to strike in the next phase. Dearns burrowed for the line but Highlanders hooker Jack Taylor got low, holding the Brave Blossoms captain up.

That was a big moment inside the first 10 minutes, with the Highlanders getting it done with the ball as well. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens split defenders Billy Proctor and Devan Flanders during a burst for the line in the sixth minute.

Reesjan Pasitoa added the extras but the home side’s lead was short-lived. With the Hurricanes controlling possession, the visitors marched down the field, and ended up scoring through lively halfback Roigard.

Roigard threw a dummy before stepping off his left foot, diving through a tackle attempt to score from close range. Love converted the try from in front, which was the start of a stunning 19-0 point-scoring blitz.

The Hurricanes were back inside the red zone shortly after, attacking with a feed into the scrum five metres out from the try line, which resulted in a free kick. Roigard took a quick tap and was never going to be denied as the Highlanders scrambled.

Jonah Lowe had a try disallowed soon after, following a knock-on from Folau Fakatava, which was another big point-scoring swing in this contest. As for the Hurricanes, they ended up scoring after Love found Fineanganofo out wide.

Love sent a pinpoint crossfield kick across to Fineanganofo, with the ball hitting the former All Blacks Sevens ace on the chest. Fineanganofo attempted to beat defender Caleb Tangitau with a goose step, ultimately having too much speed and pace.

It was 19-7 at the halftime break, but Highlanders fans continued to dream of a drought-breaking result against the Hurricanes. But it was more of the same to start the second term, with the visitors finishing off what commentator Grant Nisbett described as “a try and a half.”

The Hurricanes executed a set-piece play to perfection, with the forwards winning a penalty advantage in attack before the backs left fans in awe. Jordie Barrett sent Love through a gap, with the ball finding multiple pairs of hands during this phase.

Love passed the ball to Proctor, who found Fineanganofo along the left sideline. This led to a game of ‘hot potato’ from the Hurricanes, with Roigard shovelling the ball onto Devan Flanders, who powered his way to the try line.

Xavier Numia and Veveni Lasaqa ended up sitting down next to one another in the sin bin after both players saw yellow for separate incidents. With both teams down one player, the Hurricanes extended their lead even further through Fineanganofo.

Replacement Bailyn Sullivan made a point-scoring impact off the pine, benefiting from an overlap well inside the Highlanders’ half. Sullivan had a teammate outside him but chose instead to pin the ears back.

The Hurricanes weren’t done there either, with Fineanganofo completing a hat-trick with an effort near the sideline. Peter Lakai scored a try on the siren as the Hurricanes claimed a statement win on the road.