The Hurricanes didn't just win the Super Rugby Pacific final; they unleashed a rugby masterclass, decimating the Chiefs in a record-breaking 60-5 victory. This emphatic win on their home turf in Wellington marked their first championship triumph in ten years, setting new standards in the process.
Wellington's notorious winds played into the hands of the home side, who seemed to harness the gale to their advantage, running in nine tries to set a new milestone for the largest winning margin in a Super Rugby final. This shattered the previous record set back in 2009 when the Bulls overcame the Chiefs by 44 points.
The Hurricanes also set new league records for the most tries (113) and points (745) in a single season. Wingers Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo were particularly lethal, each ending the season with 17 tries, another record for the books. Moorby's performance was stellar, bagging two tries in the final.
The Chiefs, despite their formidable run to the final, were left grappling with the Hurricanes' dynamic attack. The Hurricanes' execution was flawless, with slick passing and sharp running lines that consistently breached the Chiefs' defenses.
Ruben Love, the Hurricanes' flyhalf, was in spectacular form, contributing 25 points himself, including a jaw-dropping 50m penalty goal as the first half closed. "Ruben takes flight and brings up the half century for the @Hurricanesrugby," celebrated the team's prowess during the game.
"Ruben Love, stop that!"
His counterpart, Damian McKenzie, struggled against the elements, with the windy conditions wreaking havoc on his kicking game. This left the Chiefs primarily on the defensive, a stark contrast to their semi-final performance where they had dominated the Crusaders.
After an initial barrage of tries from Moorby, Love, Fineanganofo, and fullback Callum Harkin in the first half, the Hurricanes continued their onslaught post-break. Additional tries from flank Devan Flanders, replacement centre Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, and another from Love exemplified their dominance. The Chiefs managed a consolation try through replacement lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi, saving them from a scoreless final humiliation.
The victory marked a significant moment for the Hurricanes, adding a second title to their cabinet, their first being in 2016. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, despite their consistent appearances in the finals, including victories in 2012 and 2013, found themselves thwarted once again.
Teams:
Hurricanes: Tries: Josh Moorby (2), Ruben Love (2), Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Devan Flanders, Jordie Barrett, Jone Rova. Conversions: Love (5). Penalties: Love.
Chiefs: Try: Naitoa Ah Kuoi.