The Hurricanes ended their pre-season Super Rugby warm ups with a 12 try 74-7 hammering of the Crusaders at Blenheim’s Lansdowne Park .
Neither side was at full strength but the Crusaders were playing without the newly confirmed All Blacks captain Kieran Read, as well as Israel Dagg, Ryan Crotty and Luke Romano.
The Hurricanes set up their romp in the first half with tries from J Perenara, Ardie Savea, Cory Jane, Beauden Barrett and Victor Vito which put them into a 27-7 at the break.
The Crusaders only points in the match came in the first half when Johnny McNicholl crossed.
While the Crusaders were kept scoreless in the second half the Hurricanes added tries from Ngani Laumape, a second by Vito, Julian Savea, Pita Ahki, Blade Thomson, another by Jane and Jason Woodward.
Last year’s finalists the Hurricanes start their Super Rugby campaign against the Brumbies in Canberra while the Crusaders start at home in Christchurch against the Chiefs.
Final Score Hurricanes 74 (27) Crusaders 7 (7)
Teams
Hurricanes
15 Nehe Milner-Skudder , 14 Cory Jane , 13 Vince Aso , 12 Ngani Laumape , 11 Julian Savea , 10 Beauden Barrett , 9 TJ Perenara (c) , 8 Victor Vito , 7 Ardie Savea , 6 Vaea Fifita , 5 Mark Abbott , 4 Blade Thomson , 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen , 2 Leni Apisai , 1 Reggie Goodes
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Willis Halaholo, Pita Ahki, James Marshall, Jason Woodward.
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody ,2. Codie Taylor3. Mike Alaalat,oa,4. Scott Barrett,5. Samuel Whitelock (C),6. Jimmy Tupou,7. Tim Boys,8. Jordan Taufua,9. Mitchell Drummond,10. Richie Mo’unga,11. Nemani Nadolo,12. Sean Wainui,13. Kieron Fonotia,14. Johnny McNicholl,15. David Havili
Replacements : Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Oliver Jager, Mitchell Dunshea, Andy Ellis, Ben Volavola, Jone Macilai, Pete Samu, Reed Prinsep
