NAPIER, New Zealand (AP) — Winger Salesi Rayasi scored two tries as the Wellington-based Hurricanes beat the Perth-based Western Force 43-6 on Friday in the Australia-New Zealand Super Rugby tournament.
The Hurricanes’ win, at the start of the competition’s third round, extended to 11-0 the winning streak of New Zealand teams over their Australian rivals.
The Force came into the match in sixth position, the highest-place Australian side among the 10 teams in the trans-Tasman competition. New Zealand clubs commanded the top-five spots after winning all 10 matches in the first two rounds.
The Hurricanes finished last in the New Zealand Super Rugby tournament which preceded the combined Australia-New Zealand competition but still outclassed the Force in every area, winning by seven tries to none.
“The first game, our defense was probably lacking; the second game the attack wasn’t as sharp as we’d like,” Hurricanes captain Reed Prinsep said. “But tonight I thought we produced one of our best performances of the year, a complete package across the 80 minutes.
“When you win, that builds confidence.”
Competitive at times, the Force overall couldn’t stay with the Hurricanes, outplayed in the collisions, at breakdowns and never had the platform to challenge the home side.
The visitors came close in the 71st minute when former Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush was driven over the line from a lineout. But the referee found a technical error, disallowed the try and, in the breakout, the Hurricanes scored through center Ngani Laumape.
Minutes later the Hurricanes finished with a superb try to fullback Jordie Barrett who handled twice and wrapped around winger Wes Goosen to touch down in the right corner.
The Force held an early lead with consecutive penalties to flyhalf Domingo Miotti.
But the Hurricanes snatched the lead with a try to hooker Asafo Aumua and never relinquished it. Rayasi scored his first try in the 21st and a further try to flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi put the Hurricanes ahead 19-6 at halftime.
Goosen scored in the 47th and Rayasi ran almost the length of the field to complete his double in the 58th.
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