The Hurricanes scored four tries to beat the Blues 26-14 in their pre-season match in Warkworth on Thursday.

In what was both sides’ last warm-up game before Super Rugby, the coaches fielded strong lineups, although the Canes were without Beauden and Jordie Barrett.

After a closely contested first half, the Blues led 14-12, courtesy of converted tries by Matt Dufie and star wing Rieko Ioane. But misfortune struck when the hosts’ starting loose trio – Jimmy Tupou, Jerome Kaino and Dalton Papali’i – hobbled off with injuries.

The Hurricanes turned on the style in the second half as they ran in the tries and kept the Blues scoreless.

Jonah Lowe put the visitors back in the lead when he scored an intercept try, before Murray Douglas wrapped up the second and secured the win with another try.

The Hurricanes kick off their campaign against the Bulls at Loftus next Saturday, while the Blues open their account against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Hurricanes – Tries: TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Jonah Lowe, Murray Douglas. Conversions: Ihaia West, Jackson Garden-Bachops (2).
Blues – Tries: Matt Dufie, Rieko Ioane. Conversions: Bryn Gatland (2).

Photo: Hurricanes