Hurricanes beat Blues 57-21 to reach Super Rugby Pacific final

The Wellington Hurricanes have advanced to the Super Rugby Pacific final with a commanding 57-21 victory over the Auckland Blues in their semifinal clash at Hnry Stadium. The top-seeded Hurricanes will now host the Waikato Chiefs in the championship decider on Saturday, June 20.

Despite being heavy favorites, the Hurricanes were tested by a determined Blues side in a bruising first half. The visitors briefly took the lead after a try from lock Patrick Tuipulotu, converted by Beauden Barrett. The Hurricanes responded with tries from Jordie Barrett, Du'Plessis Kirifi, and Xavier Numia, but the Blues stayed in contention, leveling the score at one point through a superb effort from Payton Spencer. The hosts led only 19-14 at halftime.

The match turned decisively after the break. The Hurricanes scored three quick tries from Cam Roigard, Josh Moorby, and Asafo Aumua to blow the lead out to 38-14. They continued to dominate, adding further scores from Ereatara Enari, Kini Naholo, and a second from Moorby to finish with nine tries. The Blues managed a late consolation try from Eli Oudenryn.

A significant factor in the second-half shift was the early loss of key Blues backs Caleb Clarke...