Naholo impresses as Hurricanes enjoy convincing pre-season win over Moana Pasifika

Kini Naholo scoring one of his eye-catching tries late in the game in the Hurricanes’ 9 tries to 4 Super Rugby pre-season win over Moana Pasifika this afternoon.

By Adam Julian and Steven White.
Photos by Mike Lewis Pictures and Andy McArthur.

Hurricanes 59 Du’Plessis Kirifi 2, Kini Naholo 2, Peter Lakai, Reon Paul, Kyle Preston tries, 2 penalty tries; Aidan Morgan 3 con, Brett Cameron 2 con) Moana Pasifika 26 (Semisi Paea, Julian Savea, Sama Malolo, Suetena Asomua tries; William Havili 2 con). HT: 33-14

A lean, mean Kini Naholo impressed in scoring two well-taken second tries as the Hurricanes ran away to score a 59-26 pre-season win in the community at the NZCIS facility this afternoon.

The former Hastings Boys’ High School star and last year’s Taranaki NPC winner helped put the icing on the cake of a win with eye-catching 68th and 78th minutes tries, a victory that was hard-fought early on but comfortable by the end as their stronger bench players and added depth made their impact felt, sending the large and good natured crowd off in good spirits in the Upper Hutt sunshine.

A strong start by the Hurricanes pack provided early impetus for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes had to come back from a 7-14 deficit midway through the first half. Their first try was a penalty try, off a superior set-piece, while former Hurricanes legend Julian Savea at second five scored one of these first half tries for Moana Pasifika. He was marking another former Rongotai College player Reon Paul at second five. Two runaway tries by Wellington flanker Du Plessis Kirifi and one by Petone No. 8 Peter Lakai helped the Hurricanes take a 33-14 lead into the interval.

Petone’s Peter Lakai surges through to score his try.

The Hurricanes wooed their home crowd with several booming breaks in open play

Another feature of the first half was the early departure of TJ Perenara. The halfback was making his first appearance from a long-term leg injury but departed the field after the first quarter, replaced by last year’s Manawatu Hurricanes U20s halfback Jorgi Vijoen. Perenara looked undercooked, but will be better for the run as he comes back into Super Rugby.

Following halftime refreshments, Moana Pasifika scored first in the second spell, but the Hurricanes, found their voice and scored their second penalty try and pulled clear to win well, bringing confidence to their supporters ahead of their season opener in Perth next weekend.

First five Brett Cameron also played well for the Hurricanes, while former Petone left wing Viliami Fine and recent Marlborough Boys’ College fullback Kyren Taumoefolu also showed nice touches.

Reon Paul, out of Rongotai College and Northern United and now with Bay of Plenty, scores for the Hurricanes.

Non-playing Hurricanes were on site conversing with supporters, including season captain Brad Shields who will miss the trip to Australia with an injury niggle from training.