The Hurricanes have scored twelve tries during a confidence building 74-7 win over the Crusaders to round out their Investec Super Rugby preseason campaign in Blenheim.
Coming off losses to the Force and Blues, the Hurricanes unleashed the full force of their attacking arsenal in front of a crowd of about 5000, many of them wearing the visitor's yellow and black colours.
The convincing win comes a week before the start of the Investec Super Rugby season and coach Chris Boyd's squad can now look toward their first up match against the Brumbies in Canberra with a collective spring in their step.
Wing Cory Jane and outstanding No 8 Victor Vito both grabbed two tries during the match, but the key to the Hurricanes win over the Crusaders was a solid set piece and their ability to hold onto the ball for multiple phases.
With young hooker Leni Apisai throwing accurately to the Mark Abbott led lineout and captain and halfback TJ Perenara and Nehe Milner Skudder creating havoc on the blindside the Hurricanes got off to a flyer.
Perenara had the first try when he trailed a Milner-Skudder break to score from a blindside scrum move, then Ardie Savea got the second after 10 minutes when he tore away from the tail of a lineout for a 12-0 lead.
The Crusaders hit back with a try of their own when wing Johnny McNicholl sliced through close to the line, but it would be the last time the Hurricanes line was breached in the match.
Milner-Skudder produced a magic flick pass to Jane for his side's third try, and a break to second five Ngani Laumape and a clever kick ahead saw first five Beauden Barrett cross in quick succession.
Vito strolled over out wide after some nice offloads from Laumape and centre Vince Aso and the Hurricanes went to halftime with a 27-7 lead.
There was another five unanswered tries in the second half as Barrett and Laumape started picking holes in the Crusaders defence almost at will.
Laumape, Vito and Julian Savea, from a nice off load by replacement prop Loni Uhila, all crossed in quick time and replacement second five Willis Halaholo brought up the half century with a skilful display of juggling and a dummy to make it 55-7.
Lock Blade Thomson streaked away, Jane grabbed a brace and replacement fullback Jason Woodward finished the scoring after a Pita Ahki break to cap an entertaining afternoon.
The icing on the cake was that the Hurricanes escaped the match without any further injuries.
Scorers:
Hurricanes 74 (Cory Jane 2, Victor Vito 2, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea Willis Halaholo, Blade Thomson, Jason Woodward tries, Barrett 4 cons, Woodward 3 cons) Crusaders 7 (Johnny McNicholl try, Richie Mo'unga con). HT: 27-7.