The Hurricanes have recorded their ninth straight win to go top of the Super Rugby ladder after beating the Blues 36-15 at Eden Park on Friday (NZT).
Despite the much-talked-about All Blacks-stacked backline pre-game, it was the Hurricanes forwards making the more dominate plays early on.
With the first scrum of the game, they demolished the Blues front row to win the penalty, before an unstoppable drive off the back of the lineout saw hooker Ricky Riccitelli dive over for the game-opening try.
The Blues hit back through Orbyn Leger, after Sonny Bill Williams found his midfield partner with a trademark offload, with three Hurricanes players surrounding him.
Just when the momentum looked to have swung in favour of the home team, the Hurricanes extended their lead through Gareth Evans.
After another Blues penalty, the No.8 caught them napping with a quick tap, diving low and over for the try.
Shortly after halftime, prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi went over to score after the Blues opted to take the quick tap from a penalty right in front of the posts.
Stephen Perofeta's conversion gave the hosts the lead, but it was short lived, as Nehe Milner-Skudder danced his way down the left wing for the try.
Lock Sam Lousi was the beneficiary of sustained Hurricanes pressure, as he went over for their fourth, before centre Matt Procter scored the bonus-point try right on full-time, after a brilliant passage of play between the visitors' backline.
The Hurricanes will host Brad Thorn's Reds next Friday, while the Blues look for their first win at home, when they take on the Crusaders on Saturday.
Newshub.
