REDS NO MATCH FOR HURRICANES IN SUPER RUGBY LOSS
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Four second-half tries have ensured an experienced Hurricanes outfit disposed of the Queensland Reds to begin their Super Rugby Pacific season with a comfortable 47-13 victory in Townsville.
Jason Holland's side boasted six All Blacks in their 23-man squad and their experience came to the fore to secure their eighth straight triumph over the Reds.
Holding a three-point margin at halftime, the visitors' experience was on display as they punished Queensland's forwards twice during a 10 minute span to push the result beyond doubt.
Two more late tries blew the result out in exceptionally sticky conditions on Saturday.
A penalty try just after the break was awarded following a deliberate drag down of the Hurricanes maul, with Asafo Aumua the beneficiary and Seru Eru binned as a result.
Aumua made a break in midfield from a pick-and-drive and put Cameron Roigard under the posts to blow the margin out to 30-13.
Queensland had their chances in the second half after a solid opening 40 minutes, but Ardie Savea's pilfer thwarted their best attempt 15 minutes from time, after early having a try overturned on review for a forward pass.
Jamie Booth, Julian Savea and Tyrel Lomax then all crossed in the final 12 minutes to secure a comprehensive bonus-point victory.
The Hurricanes have now won 12 of their last 13 games against Queensland and the loss marks the Reds' 11th straight against New Zealand opposition.
But there was some excitement for the Reds in defeat with young Tom Lynagh impressing on debut for the club.
Father and Wallabies great Michael Lynagh travelled from England to watch his son's first start in Super Rugby and Tom impressed at both ends of the field.
The 19-year-old was composed and distributed effectively, whilst making crucial last-man tackles off line breaks.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones was also in attendance for the young half's debut.
Conditions certainly played their part in a scrappy opening 40 minutes at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
