WELLINGTON — The Hurricanes kickstarted their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a statement 52–10 victory over Moana Pasifika at a breezy Sky Stadium. While the scoreline suggests a cakewalk, the night was bittersweet for the Wellington faithful as they watched fly-half Brett Cameron stretchered off just 24 minutes into the match with what appeared to be a significant lower-leg injury.

The contest began with a shock as Moana Pasifika’s Tuna Tuitama silenced the home crowd early, finishing a brilliant individual chip-and-chase to give the visitors an unlikely lead. However, the "Canes" responded with clinical efficiency. Fehi Fineanganofo was the catalyst, crossing for a quick-fire first-half double, including a length-of-the-field effort that saw him beat three defenders.

The star of the show was undoubtedly Josh Moorby. Returning to Wellington after a stint in France, Moorby looked untouchable, bagging a hat-trick and proving to be the focal point of a backline that clicked into gear despite the early loss of their playmaker. By the time he crossed for his third shortly after half-time, the lead had ballooned to 31–5, and the contest was effectively over.

Moana Pasifika, led by Miracle Faiilagi (who stepped into the starting XV late after Semisi Paea’s wife went into labor), struggled to contain the Hurricanes' power at the breakdown. Brayden Iose was a constant menace, securing a double of his own, while Japanese international Warner Dearns enjoyed a physical debut, providing a crucial offload for one of the second-half tries. A late consolation try from Patrick Pellegrini did little to dampen the Wellington mood as Billy Proctor crossed in the final minutes to tip the score past the 50-point mark.