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Hurricanes Rout Brumbies as Australian Teams Suffer Familiar Sinking Feeling in Super Rugby Playoffs
Ruben Love kicked nine conversions and a penalty as the Hurricanes scored five first-half tries and set a competition record for an Australian team’s biggest finals loss.
On Friday, the Wellington Hurricanes defeated the ACT Brumbies 66-12 in Wellington, marking the biggest finals defeat for an Australian team in Super Rugby competition history.
Describing the performance as "embarrassing," ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham apologized to fans, noting the team let down supporters during an inconsistent season.
Hurricanes flyhalf Ruben Love orchestrated the win with precision, kicking nine conversions and adding a penalty, while replacement Ngane Punivai scored a second-half hat-trick.
The Waikato Chiefs defeated the Queensland Reds 46-24, while the Canterbury Crusaders beat the Auckland-based Blues 52-31, extending their unbeaten home playoff record to 33 matches.
Tournament semifinals next weekend feature the Chiefs hosting the Crusaders on Friday, while the Hurricanes play the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.