New recruit Josh Moorby has celebrated his return to Wellington with a hat-trick as the Hurricanes opened their season with a 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika.
Moorby, who returned home after a stint in the Top 14 with Montpellier, was unstoppable as he was joined in kind by wing partner Fehi Fineanganofo, crossing for a double.
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Moana Pasifika came into the game with several fresh faces and started fast when Tuna Tuitama opened the Hurricanes up with a nice chip and chase for the opener.
This is where the hosts would kick into life, with both wingers causing chaos as they crossed for first-half doubles.
Fineanganofo was the first to cross, finishing off a nice backline play to unleash the former NZ Sevens star.
He would add his second in the 24th minute in a dominant half that included four line breaks and over 100 running metres.
Moorby got in on the action with an aerobatic finish in the corner, with his wing partner handed him his second on a platter over the try line after flanker Peter Lakai put him into space.
The returning Maori All Black completed the hat-trick just after half time, racing clear to score under the posts for the 31-5 lead.
Faletoi Peni almost got Moana Pasifika back into the contest, losing the ball the split second before the centre got to the line.
Moorby nearly made it four on his return from France, only for the TMO to rule he knocked it on as he released for a second effort.
Brayden Iose wouldn’t be denied shortly afterwards, strolling over after a massive overlap.
Patrick Pellegrini got a consolation try for the visitors but it was too little, too late for the visitors as Iose’s damaging carry resulted in his second, set up by Japanese skipper Warner Dearns’ offload.
Replacement and All Black Billy Proctor made it 50 as time ran down, with the hosts next facing the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
The only sour note for the hosts was the loss of Brett Cameron, coming off in the 24th minute with a potentially serious injury.
Cameron was stretched off the field in agony, further testing their flyhalf depths with Ruben Love (ankle) at least another month away.
