In a highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific clash, the Hurricanes triumphed over the Blues 42-19 in Wellington, while paying tribute to seriously ill teammate Cameron Suafoa. Both teams donned retro jerseys to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the competition’s inaugural match in 1993.
In a heartfelt gesture, Blues players sported either blond hair or shaved heads in honour of Suafoa, who is battling cancer. Blues captain Sam Darry expressed support for Suafoa, acknowledging him during a challenging match.
Despite the Blues missing key players, including captain Dalton Papali’i and All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, the Hurricanes displayed their dominance, scoring six tries to the Blues’ three. This victory marked the Hurricanes’ fifth consecutive win, extending their lead at the top of the table to 30 points, four ahead of the Chiefs.
The match started energetically, with the Hurricanes quickly establishing a 14-0 lead thanks to tries from Callum Harkin and Billy Proctor. The Blues fought back, with a notable try from Caleb Clarke, cutting the deficit. However, the Hurricanes responded assertively, with standout performances from players like Fehi Fineanganofo, further cementing their lead.
While the match did not reach the high-scoring levels of recent encounters, the Hurricanes showcased their class and tactical prowess, reinforcing their position as championship contenders in the ongoing season. As the competition progresses, both teams look ahead, with upcoming matches expected to challenge their mettle further.