Hurricanes Win 52-10 Over Moana Pasifika in Opener

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season kicked off with a dominant performance by the Hurricanes, who secured a 52-10 bonus-point victory over Moana Pasifika in their opener at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Friday night. The home side ran in eight tries, showcasing sharp attacking play and physical dominance to mark a strong start after sitting out the first round with a bye.

Clark Laidlaw's Hurricanes wasted little time asserting control, despite early lineout errors from debutant lock Warner Dearns, the Japan captain on a sabbatical from Toshiba Brave Lupus. Winger Fehi Fineanganofo, departing for Newcastle at season's end, starred with two first-half tries, displaying electric pace on the left flank. He unselfishly passed for Josh Moorby's second score before halftime, with the versatile back completing a hat trick early in the second half after an offload from Bailyn Sullivan.

The forwards laid a solid platform, with hard carries from the tight five forcing Moana Pasifika to concede territory. A rolling maul and sweeping backline moves led to tries from Callum Harkin, Brayden Iose (twice), and Billy Proctor late on. Flyhalf Brett Cameron converted several efforts before a leg...