Hurricanes v Reds result: Table-toppers rampant in bonus-point victory in Wellington

The Hurricanes enjoyed a resounding victory over the Reds at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. Photo / Elias Rodriguez, Photosport

The Hurricanes dominated the Queensland Reds with their fast-paced attack to secure a bonus-point victory and scored 50 points for the third time this season.

– Fehi Fineanganofo continued his fine form and scored another hat-trick.

– The Reds were outclassed and kept scoreless in the second half.

– Hurricanes stay at the top of the table. Reds sit fourth.

Fehi Fineanganofo scored three tries to help the Hurricanes to an emphatic victory over the Reds. Photo / Photosport

All you need to know

All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax has been ruled out just before kickoff after not having fully recovered from his ankle injury.

Lomax had returned to action against the Western Force after multiple injuries but an ankle injury meant he left the field after 30 minutes.

Tevita Mafileo took Lomax’s place in today’s starting line-up.

Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to the starting side, while Ruben Love has been retained at first five-eighths and Josh Moorby shifts to fullback to cover Callum Harkin’s absence because of concussion.

The Hurricanes are top of the table, but assistant coach Jamie Mackintosh knows that with a tight table they can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal.

“We’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a physical game and we don’t have to look too far through their loose forward trio to know they’re pretty skilful and good over the ball,” Mackintosh said.

“It’s a top-of-the-table clash really when you look at it as far as games played.

“It’s going to be a massive last eight weeks down to the playoffs and having our two byes early, we’re going to have to win lots of games of rugby in a row.”

For the Reds, captain Fraser McReight returns to the starting side, while playmaker Tom Lynagh has been selected for his first match of the season and will enter the game from the bench.

Reds coach Les Kiss said this will be their toughest test of the season.

“This presents the toughest game in the competition to date – playing the Hurricanes at the ‘Cake Tin’ in Wellington,” Kiss said.

“The Hurricanes’ form has been imperious with their blend of forward power and backline skills run by their halves Cam Roigard and Ruben Love.

“We’ve built confidence over our last four matches, for sure. It has shown the results of playing our game and building on what we do well.”

The Hurricanes have won their last 10 consecutive Super Rugby Pacific games against the Queensland Reds.

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tevita Mafileo, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett (cc), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Josh Moorby.

Bench: 16. Vernon Bason, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Lucas Cashmore, 23. Jone Rova.

Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Nick Bloomfield, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Louis Werchon, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Isaac Henry, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell

Bench: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. George Blake, 18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Treyvon Pritchard.