Hurricanes beat Brumbies in 2010 pre-season match

The Hurricanes scored four tries to one in beating the ACT Brumbies 26-5 in a Super 14 pre-season rugby match at Porirua tonight.

In superb conditions, the Hurricanes counter-attacked superbly at times in what was otherwise an even encounter, marked by some quality defence from the home side.

They absorbed ample Brumbies pressure in the opening quarter before catching them short out wide twice to cross for tries to winger Hosea Gear and centre Charlie Ngatai.

Up 14-0 at halftime, their second half tries went to forwards -- lock Jason Eaton and hooker Dane Coles -- while the Brumbies' lone tries went to lock Sitaleki Timani.

First five-eighth Aaron Cruden made an impressive debut for the Hurricanes, the New Zealand under-20 star coming on after halftime and making a break with his first touch. He also landed two conversions from two attempts while Willie Ripia slotted one before the break.

Neither team appeared to suffer a major injury.

Result: Hurricanes 26 (Hosea Gear, Charlie Ngatai, Dane Coles, Jason Eaton tries; Aaron Cruden 2 con, Willie Ripia con) ACT Brumbies 5 (Sitaleki Timani try). Halftime: 14-0.