Super Rugby
Hurricanes tune up for new season with 12-try romp against Crusaders
ESPN Staff
February 19, 2016
© Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

The Hurricanes ended their preseason campaign with a 12-try 74-7 rout of Super Rugby rivals Crusaders.

Both sides rested players for the clash at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim, but it was the Crusaders -- shorn of new All Blacks captain Kieran Read, as well as Israel Dagg, Ryan Crotty and Luke Romano -- who struggled.

Their opponents flexed their muscles in the first half, building a 27-7 lead at the break, thanks to tries from TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Cory Jane, Beauden Barrett and Victor Vito.

Johnny McNicholl got Crusaders on the scoreboard, but worse was to follow in the second half.

Ngani Laumape, Vito, Julian Savea, Pita Ahki, Blade Thomson, Jane and Jason Woodward all touched down as the points piled up. The Hurricanes' dominance was highlighted by their 11th score as Julian Savea breezed over the try line only to wait to offer a pop pass to teammate Jane.

The romp bodes well for the Hurricanes ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the Brumbies on Feb. 26, while the Crusaders will hope their returning stars can help banish any scars from the defeat when they take on the Chiefs a day later.

© ESPN Staff

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