Nehe Milner-Skudder scored a hat-trick of tries as the Hurricanes secured a resounding 71-6 win over the Rebels in Wellington on Saturday.
After thrashing the Sunwolves 83-17 in their season-opener last weekend, the Canes sent out another reminder that they are set to launch a meaningful title defence this season.
The Hurricanes did take a while to get out of first gear against the Rebels, and in fact trailed 6-0 after 15 minutes, but once the impressive Milner-Skudder scored the opening try, the Canes quickly engaged their running game at full throttle.
Before half-time, Vince Aso scored a brace of tries, while Ngani Laumape and Matt Proctor also dotted down to make it 31-6 at half-time, with the hosts having essentially established an unassailable lead.
A Savea special soon after the restart saw Julian put brother Ardie away to score, while Reed Prinsep barged over just before the hour mark as the Canes continued to punish the Rebels at will.
Milner-Skudder completed his hat-trick, while Julian Savea and Laumape also went over to score before full-time as the Canes took their try tally to 11.
Hurricanes – Tries: Nehe Milner-Skudder (3), Vince Aso (2), Ngani Laumape (2), Matt Proctor, Ardie Savea, Reed Prinsep, Julian Savea. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (6), Otere Black (2).
Rebels – Penalties: Reece Hodge (2).
Hurricanes – 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Vince Aso, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeffery To'omaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (c), 1 Chris Eves.
Subs: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Ben May, 18 Mike Kainga, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Callum Gibbins, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Otere Black, 23 Jordie Barrett.
Rebels – 15 Jack Debreczeni 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Tom English, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Nic Stirzaker (c), 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Colby Fainga’a, 6 Jordy Reid, 5 Lopeti Timani, 4 Steve Cummins, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 James Hanson, 1 Cruze Ah-Nau.
Subs: 16 Pat Leafa, 17 Tom Moloney, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Culum Retallick, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Sione Tuipulotu, 23 Ben Volavola.
Photo: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images
Photo: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images
