Five things we learnt from Hurricanes - NSW Waratahs

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The Hurricanes were far too strong for the Waratahs in Wellington as they ran away with the 41-12 win.

They dominated from the opening minute and never gave the visitors a chance thanks to their brutality and slick backline moves.

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So what did we learn?

1. Back on track

The Hurricanes showed last week's defeat was a blip on the radar as they remain the favourites to take out the competition.

They were ruthless even with a crisis at hooker time and multiple stars rested or on the bench.

Brayden Iose and Billy Proctor were dominant throughout the win, whilst Salesi Rayasi was a weapon off the bench, undeterred by a dislocated finger.

It was a perfect tune up game before next week's blockbuster against the Blues

2. Falling off

The review of the first half will be a tough watch for the Waratahs.

At stages of the opening 40 minutes, they were missing more tackles than they asked the Hurricanes to make as they strolled through the line.

It made it look like a training run at times, missing 41 tackles on the night.

They can't afford a similar game against the Brumbies next weekend if they want to be playing finals.

3. Diesel's deserved five pointer

Hugh Sinclair deserved a lot better in his 50th game for the club but his late try will be popular at Daceyville.

Sinclair is the king of the one percentages - hitting rucks and controlling the mauls to go with a physical presence in defence.

Off the field, he sets the culture so there's no wonder he was mobbed after he crossed with four minutes to go.

The Waratahs need more players like Sinclair if they want success to follow.

4. Scrum call sets the platform

The Waratahs' bizarre decision-making in the opening minutes set the scene for an ugly night in Wellington.

After winning a short arm scrum penalty just outside their 22, the Waratahs made the call to pack down again rather than play the territory game and alleviate the pressure.

It backfired spectacularly, allowing the Hurricanes to get the tighthead and score the opening try.

It was an unnecessary risk for a team whose front-row injuries are well-documented and sitting tenth for scrum success before this game.

5. Record breaker

TJ Perenara made good use of his short stint off the bench to edge ahead in the race to be Super Rugby's leading try-scorer.

The scrum half dived over for try #63 in the final moment to edge clear of former team-mate Julian Savea.

The two have gone back and forth in 2024, with Savea overtaken after Perenara's four tries in three games in the middle of the season.

The scrumhalf joked after the game he'll send a photo of his old locker after the milestone but Savea will get a chance to answer back when he lines up at centre against the Highlanders