Fineanganofo shines as Hurricanes top the Super Rugby table after seven rounds
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Winger Fehi Fineanganofo scored a hat-trick for the second consecutive week and the Hurricanes exceeded 50 points for the fourth time this season, staying atop the Super Rugby table after the weekend’s seventh round. Auckland-born Fineanganofo is thick-set but deceptively fast with the strength to break tackles and now has nine tries this season. He would be a strong candidate for the All Blacks but has signed to play in England next year.
The former New Zealand sevens player is a key part of an exceptional Hurricanes team which also has a big front row, mobile locks, the best backrow in the tournament, a world class halves combination, an All Black midfield and pace out wide. The Hurricanes beat the Highlanders 50-7 and the Queensland Reds 52-14 over the last two weekends, underlining their credentials as the top team so far this season. “I said before we came here that we’re playing the best team in the comp and they played like they’re the best team in the comp,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
The Hurricanes lead the tournament in tries scored (41), in clean breaks (60) and in offloads (69), showing a general dominance in the backs. Fineanganofo who has been a quality finisher this year will play for the English club Newcastle in 2027. “I don’t think it’s a shame in the slightest.
It’s his career and he’s made a decision that he thinks is right for him and his family,” said Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw who spotted Fineanganofo when was coaching the New Zealand sevens team. “Who knows, he might be back. The world is a transient place now.
You can go and come back. He’s only 23. If he stays and he’s not an All Black then maybe everyone says he could have taken the opportunity overseas.