A hat-trick to wing Leicester Fainga'anuku has helped the Crusaders open their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a 42-32 win over the Hurricanes at Dunedin last night.
The Crusaders opened the try-scoring in the eighth minute, when a powerful Whitelock charge opened the gate for Will Jordan to send Fergus Burke within an inch of the line, leaving wing Leicester Fainga'anuku to power his way over from the ruck.
Five minutes later, Will Jordan burst through a hole before sending Fainga'anuku for his second try.
The 22-year-old star scored his third try in the second half through a direct pass from Cullen Grace.
Prop Shilo Klein scored the other try for the Crusaders.
The Hurricanes scored four tries from Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jordie Barrett, Bailyn Sullivan and Ruben Love.
In other Super Rugby Pacific results, the Chiefs beat the Highlanders 26-16 and the Reds defeated the Rebels 23-5.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies will meet the Western Force at 3pm today.
[Newshub.co.nz]
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