All Black Cortez Ratima grabs a double as Chiefs hand Hurricanes a pre-season lesson
Saturday, 7 February 2026
At Porirua Park: Chiefs 29 (Etene Nanai-Seturo, Cortez Ratima (2), Michael Loft, Liam Coombes-Fabling tries; Josh Jacomb 2 con) Hurricanes 0. HT: 5-0
The Hurricanes have a lot of work to do before they begin their Super Rugby campaign against Moana Pasifika in round two.
Clark Laidlaw’s error-riddled side were kept scoreless on Saturday by a rampant Chiefs outfit who illustrated their depth by injecting All Blacks halfback Cortez Ratima at halftime.
Ratima scored two second-half tries as the Chiefs feasted on Hurricanes mistakes and unleashed their offloading game.
It was impressive stuff from last year’s beaten finalists, who came alive off turnover ball to complement their defensive efforts in the opening spell.
But the Hurricanes were the architects of their own downfall by repeatedly turning the ball over and their work in contact will be a focus over the next fortnight.
The Hurricanes were without All Blacks halfback Cameron Roigard, and their attack was predictably diminished as a result.
They had a mountain of possession in the first half but were unable to get through the committed and well-organised Chiefs’ defence.
Twice the Hurricanes were denied tries from lineout drives and the Chiefs also scrambled well when the Hurricanes managed to get the ball to winger Fehi Fineanganofo in space on the left edge.
Ruben Love had some nice touches in the No 10 jersey before being replaced by Brett Cameron at halftime, but on this early evidence the Hurricanes will need Roigard to stay fit to be a legitimate Super Rugby contender.
New signing Warner Dearns was a strong lineout target during his 52 minutes of the field, although it will take a bit of time for the lock to get used to the bigger bodies in Super Rugby compared to Japan Rugby League One.
All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, who made an earlier-than-planned return to the Chiefs this year after injuries to Brodie McAlister and Taine Kolose, certainly didn’t look like a man in need of a holiday.
The 115-kilogram powerhouse had an industrious first half, making one trademark charge and competing strongly at the breakdown.
Chiefs No 10 Josh Jacomb enjoyed a strong 62 minutes for the visitors and must be a good chance to start against the Blues at Eden Park next week, despite All Black Damian McKenzie’s presence in the squad.
Jacomb showcased his running game and also adjusted to the strong wind at Jerry Collins Stadium to land two tricky conversions in the second half.
However, the best piece of the skill in the game came from Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona, whose brilliant offload in the midfield created a try for Etene Nanai-Seturo in the fifth minute.
That illustrated the difference between the two side, and new Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes will be confident that his men are in good shape for the trip up to Auckland next week.