Pasifika stars help power Hurricanes to record-breaking Super Rugby Pacific title

The Hurricanes produced one of the most dominant grand final performances in Super Rugby history with their Pasifika stars leading the charge in a crushing 60-5 win over the Chiefs in Wellington on Saturday night.

This was not just a Hurricanes title win. It was a night when Pasifika players dominated the biggest stage of Super Rugby Pacific.

The record-breaking performance of Fehi Fineanganofo, the finishing of Josh Moorby, the power of Asafo Aumua and Peter Lakai, and the impact of Devan Flanders were central to the rout.

In front of a sold-out crowd of about 35,000, the Hurricanes ran in nine tries to claim their second Super Rugby title and their first since 2016, while setting a new record for the biggest winning margin in a final.

It was a night to remember for winger Fineanganofo, who etched his name into the record books with his 17th try of the season and breaking the competition's single-season try-scoring record.

Fellow wing Moorby later matched that mark with two tries of his own before helping create the Hurricanes' final score as the hosts ran riot.

The Hurricanes struck first through Moorby after a tense opening spell played in strong Wellington winds.

They quickly took control when first-five Ruben Love pounced on a loose ball and raced away to score under the posts to give the home side a commanding early advantage.

The gale-force Wellington winds threatened to wreak havoc on the kicking games of both sides but the Hurricanes adapted better by keeping the ball in hand to carve open the Chiefs' defensive lines with surgical precision.

Pacific Power: Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua spearheads a dominant forward pack effort in Wellington. Photo/Photosport/Masanori Udagawa

Fineanganofo, of Tongan descent, then delivered one of the key moments of the match.

After slick handling down the left edge, the 23-year-old flyer crossed untouched for his 17th try of the season and move clear of a record previously shared with Moorby, former Brumbies flyer Joe Roff, and former Hurricanes wing Ben Lam.

The Chiefs struggled to cope with the Hurricanes' speed and accuracy. The the home pack laid the platform through powerful performances from hooker Aumua (Sāmoa), and loose forwards Lakai and Flanders.

Callum Harkin added another try before Love slotted a long-range penalty to send the Hurricanes into halftime with a commanding 29-0 lead.

Any hopes of a Chiefs comeback disappeared soon after the break.

Moorby crossed for his second try of the night to draw level with Fineanganofo on 17 for the season before Flanders powered over as the Hurricanes continued to pile on the pressure.

Midfielder Jordie Barrett added another while Love grabbed his second try with a spectacular finish in the corner as the score passed 50 points.

The Chiefs managed a late consolation through lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi but it did little to slow the celebrations.

The final try also featured Moorby whose brilliant break split the defence before he sent replacement Fijian star Jone Rova away to score and bring up 60 points.

While the scoreline will be remembered for years to come, the performance of the Hurricanes' Pasifika contingent was equally significant.

Fineanganofo's record-breaking season ended with another piece of history, while Aumua, Lakai, Flanders and Rova all made major contributions in a grand final that quickly became a one-sided showcase.

History Made: The Hurricanes celebrate a record-breaking 55-point winning margin to claim their second Super Rugby title. Photo/Photosport/Masanori Udagawa

For the Chiefs, the defeat marked a fourth straight loss in a Super Rugby final.

For the Hurricanes, it was the perfect ending to a remarkable season and a championship built on flair, power and the influence of some of the Pacific's brightest rugby talents.