A hat-trick from second-five Ngani Laumape has helped the Hurricanes cruise to a 43-13 win over the Brumbies in Palmerston North.
The 25-year-old Palmerston North Boys High School old boy relished the chance to play in front of the 13,000 fans who sold out Central Energy Trust Arena - scoring three tries.
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All Blacks hooker Dane Coles was in scintillating form through the first half scoring the opening try after grabbing a loose ball and splitting the gap showing his pace to score.
Laumape scored the game's second try after some incredible work from debutant Chase Tiatia who slipped winger Vince Aso through on the right wing - he through a spectacular flick pass to Laumape who made no mistake.
That try made the game 14-0 and had the hosts firmly on the front foot.
But the Brumbies found their feet midway through the first half through their devastating lineout drive - scoring through hooker Folau Fainga’a to cut the game to 14-5.
A Lealiifano penalty drew the visitors closer until some TJ Perenara magic slipped Coles in for his second of the night and took the game to 19-8 at half-time.
The Brumbies came into the match on a high after their performance in week two against the Chiefs, but any hope a repeat against the Hurricanes was quashed 20 minutes into the second half.
The Hurricanes controlled the second half, with two Laumape tries which sealed the win and his hat-trick.
Brumbies substitute Tom Wright scored the Brumbies only points of the second half with his first touch of the ball.
But it was the Hurricanes who scored the final try of the match through substitute lock James Blackwell - picking up a loose ball and scoring the first of his career.
Newshub.
