A gutsy, improved second-half performance from the Western Force was not enough to keep out the Hurricanes as they went down 44-14 in the opening clash of their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign at HBF Park on Friday night.
The Force produced a better second 40 minutes, showing glimpses of the rugby they can play, with tries from recruit Nic White and the impressive Chase Tiatia.
In testing conditions, ball handling was always likely to be tricky and lungs tested but the Hurricanes showed why they have reached the finals every season since 2015.
They went into the break with a 22-0 lead and added another 22 points in the second half. They scored six tries with the Force adding two tries of their own in the second period.
Force coach Simon Cron was forced to make a late change to his starting side with Wallabies second-rower Izack Rodda having injured his quad at training on Wednesday. He was replaced by Lopeti Faifua, one of six starting club debutants.
Another three debutants, including Titi Nofoagatotoa who came in for Rodda, were waiting on the bench.
Can't deny Chase Tiatia brought his game face tonight, so he has deservingly been awarded tonight's AFGRI's Player of the Match for Round One 🙌@AFGRIAU #POTM @SuperRugby @StanSportRugby pic.twitter.com/U82J1JK97v
— Western Force (@westernforce) February 23, 2024
The Force applied early pressure with several strong carries through the middle, waiting patiently to go wide against an organised Hurricanes defence.
But they were hurt by a yellow card to winger Harry Potter after just three minutes for a tackle on Hurricanes full-back Ruben Love while in the air.
While he was in the bin the Hurricanes scored twice.
A quick break, a penalty, a line-out and on nine minutes Jordie Barrett made use of the extra man with a pin-point cross-kick to Josh Moorby who barreled into the corner for a five-point lead.
Another quick break had the home side on their heels, the Hurricanes won a penalty at the ruck and Brett Cameron slotted three points.
The Force pushed the Cron-coached positive style of rugby but a 'Canes line-break, some quick passing and scrum-half Jordi Viljoen finished off under the posts.
Before the break second-row Caleb Delany strolled over to give Cameron the easiest of conversions to stretch the lead further.
Hurricanes centre Bil Proctor was yellow-carded on his 50th Super appearance and as the clock went into the red Force No.8 Will Harris had the Sea of Blue on their feet when he looked to have burrowed over.
Instead, he was penalised for a double movement.
After the break the Force played with renewed vigour and tested the Hurricanes defence with quick, wide ball.
Potter made up for his earlier misdemeanor when he weaved and stepped his way close to the line and Nic White sneaked in from the ensuing ruck. Ben Donaldson converted.
As they looked to be moving up a cog the Force were hurt again when Marley Pearce was yellow-carded for a high tackle but had to be helped from the pitch with a head injury.
Soon after the Hurricanes Asafo Aumua smashed his way over. Cameron converted.
Force winger Chase Tiatia, who had saved a try with a great tap tackle on Moorby, again raised Force fans hopes when he finished off a lovely sweeping move. Donaldson converted.
But the Hurricanes added a Cameron penalty, two more tries from Peter Lakai and Salesi Rayasi with Cameron converting the second.
Force 14
Tries: White (44') Tiatia (57')
Conversions: Donaldson 2/2
Penalties: Nil
Hurricanes 44
Tries: Moorby (9') Viljoen (20'), Delany (36'), Aumua (54'), Lakai (73') Rayasi (81').
Conversions: Cameron 4/6
Penalties: Cameron 2/2
Crowd: 7,855 at HBF Park
