Rampant Hurricanes crush Chiefs to storm to 2026 Super Rugby Pacific title

The victory capped a remarkable season for the Canes, who finished with an incredible 113 tries across the campaign.

Head coach Clark Laidlaw and co-captains Jordie Barrett and Du'Plessis Kirifi laid the foundations of their success, with Laidlaw's attacking philosophy helping to unlock the talents of halfback duo Cam Roigard and Ruben Love, centre Billy Proctor and clinical finishers like Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby.

From the outset, the Chiefs struggled to cope with the intensity and accuracy of their opponents, particularly into the wind, while Damian McKenzie endured a difficult evening under constant pressure as errors piled up.

The home side struck early and often, racing into a commanding first-half lead as Moorby and Love both crossed, before further tries from Fineanganofo and Callum Harkin extended the advantage to 26-0.

The Hurricanes' clinical edge was matched by the Chiefs' inability to build any momentum, with even their rare attacking opportunities going unrewarded as the champions' defence held firm.

A late first-half score and conversion stretched the lead further, and the Hurricanes resumed after the break with the same ruthless approach, quickly putting the contest beyond doubt.

Moorby added his second try early in the second half before further scores from Devan Flanders and Jordie Barrett underlined the gulf between the sides on the night.

Love completed a standout performance with a second try, while the Chiefs were finally able to get on the board late through Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, before substitute Jone Rova had the final word for the Hurricanes to seal a comprehensive victory.