Hurricanes Thrash Blues to Charge into Rugby Final

Sunday, June 14, 2026

The Wellington Hurricanes defeated the Auckland Blues 57-21 to reach the Super Rugby final against the Waikato Chiefs, marking their first final since winning the title in 2016. This victory highlights the Hurricanes’ strong season, including their 100th try, while the Blues faced challenges from injuries and a coaching transition as Vern Cotter prepares to leave for the Queensland Reds.

The Wellington Hurricanes secured a decisive 57-21 victory over the Auckland Blues on Saturday, advancing to the Super Rugby final where they will face the Waikato Chiefs. The match, held in Wellington, marked the Hurricanes’ first final appearance since their 2016 championship win, while the Chiefs aim for their third title.

The Hurricanes dominated the second half after a closely contested first period, breaking open the game with nine tries in total. At halftime, Wellington led 19-14, with initial tries coming from Jordie Barrett, Du’Plessis Kirifi, and Xavier Numia. In the second half, the Hurricanes increased their intensity, quickly adding scores through scrum-half Cam Roigard and wing Josh Moorby — the latter marking the team’s 100th try of the season. Hooker Asafo Aumua also contributed a second-half try, reflecting the team’s physical resilience.

“We knew the Blues are a very tough side, especially physically,” Aumua said, acknowledging the tight halftime margin. “We had to keep grinding it out and reap the rewards in the second half. We’ve been together a few years, and this group is special. Now we just have to take it day by day and prepare for next week.”

Replacements Ere Enari and Kini Naholo scored additional tries in the closing minutes, further extending the Hurricanes’ lead. Beauden Barrett, an experienced All Blacks fly-half and Jordie Barrett’s brother, successfully converted three tries.

The Blues, struggling toward the end of their season, had entered the semifinal stage as so-called “lucky losers” after finishing a poor run with five consecutive heavy defeats, including a qualifying final loss to the Canterbury Crusaders. Their challenge was further hampered by early injuries to outside backs Caleb Clarke and AJ Lam, both removed after failing head injury assessments. Tries for the Blues came from Patrick Tuipulotu, Payton Spencer, and Eli Oudenryn.

Saturday’s match was also the final game for Blues head coach Vern Cotter, who guided the team to the 2024 Super Rugby title. Cotter is set to take over as head coach of the Queensland Reds next season, succeeding Les Kiss, who remains the Wallabies coach-in-waiting.