A first-half onslaught saw the Cane Train roll right over the Rebels in Palmerston North on Friday night.
The Hurricanes led 33-7 at half time and were never headed in 54-28 drubbing to open Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Here’s what we learnt:
Before we dissect the Rebels performance, you’ve got to credit the Canes for playing what was in front of them.
The ladder-leaders rarely looked troubled and could’ve had more than their eight tries had early efforts from Daniel Sinkinson and a rolling maul not been called back. Throw in a TJ Perenara drop over the line and the forward pass to Caleb Delaney in overtime and you’re looking at a 70+ scoreline.
It’s insane to think the Hurricanes made 14 changes from the side that toppled the Blues last week but all newcomers made a difference.
Du’Plessis Kirifi was everywhere, Jordie Barrett was red hot, TJ Perenara’s still got it, captain Brad Shields got through plenty of work in his return and young hooker James O’Reilly has plenty of upside.
Expecting big things from the Wellington franchise in 2024.
Yep, we're pulling that cliche out but what we wouldn't give to hear Kevin Foote's half time address in the Rebels shed.
The Rebels were uninspired at best and insipid at worst before oranges, conceding five tries and countless turnovers on their own ball.
Then their second term was vastly improved - both sides crossed for three tries - and Melbourne reserves such as Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham and Mason Gordon brought plenty of punch from the pine.
We're not trying to polish what the Rebels served up in that first half but an optimistic Melbourne fan might - might - find green shoots from the second 40.
Still, it's going to be a tough slog ahead with upcoming games against the Tahs, Drua, Highlanders and Crusaders.
We mentioned it briefly above but Melbourne's offensive ruck work was, frankly, offensive.
The Rebels conceded eight turnovers from front foot ball and simply could not stop the Hurricanes' backrow from barreling straight through the gate.
This was most evident late in the first half when the Canes counter-rucked three Rebels rucks between the 27th and 30th minutes.
Melbourne's loosies were invisible compared to Shields, Kirifi and Devan Flanders and the likes of Brad Wilkin can't get back soon enough.
One of the few green shoots to savour was the debut of Mason Gordon, Carter's younger brother.
Introduced after half time for the injured Andrew Kellaway, M Gordon showed promise at fullback with a classy finish in the 60th minute and some nice touches in tight.
His combination with Carter was on display for a tidy line break and, if nothing else, it's good to share some good news from camp Melbourne.
Lukas Ripley's try was also well taken while a promising raid from inside their own 22 almost saw Rebels tight-five duo Tupou and Lukhan Salakai-Loto pull off one of Super Rugby's great forward tries.
Anzac rivalries aside, it was great to see TJ Perenara back in action as starting scrumhalf in Super Rugby Pacific.
After a much-publicised injury layoff, the wily veteran was at his best in Palmerston North, setting up plenty of his teammates and giving the Rebels nightmares with his left boot from the ruck base.
He also continues to chip away at the all-time Super Rugby try-scoring record - Perenara drew level with the great Doug Howlett with his 59th try in the 56th minute and trails current leader Julian Savea by just two tries.
