The Hurricanes have suffered their first defeat of the season in a tough and fast outing against the Crusaders in Ashburton.

Despite the 40 – 19 result, the Hurricanes threw everything at the defending Super Rugby champions showing promising form early in the pre-season.

Du’Plessis Kirifi scored the first try of the game, which remained unconverted. It was shortly followed by a breakaway from Vince Aso minutes later, taking the Hurricanes to a 12 – nil lead in the first 12 minutes of the match.

Unfortunately, the Crusaders replied quickly with two converted tries of their own, taking control at the 18-minute mark.

Despite solid defensive pressure from the Hurricanes, two more converted tries were conceded before the halftime buzzer – Giving the Crusaders a 28 – 12 lead into the break.

The Hurricanes returned to the field with several fresh bodies in the squad. Fletcher Smith took over the number 10 jersey from Jackson Garden-Bachop and Ngani Laumape made his debut for the 2020 campaign.

With 10 minutes left in the game, Hurricanes debutant, Kobus Van Wyk narrowed the gap, putting the ball down right behind the posts.

Sadly, it wasn’t for long with the Crusaders crossing the line one final time right on fulltime.

The Hurricanes now turn their focus to the second pre-season match against the Blues in Auckland next week.

First home game is at Sky Stadium on Saturday February 15, tickets to all 2020 Sky Stadium matches go on sale at 9am Monday January 20 via www.ticketrocket.co.nz

Crusaders 40 (Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Tom Sanders, George Bower, Fasi Fuatai, Michael Alaalatoa tries; Brett Cameron 4con, Fergus Burke con) Hurricanes 19 (Du'Plessis Kirifi, Vince Aso, Kobus Van Wyk tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop con, Fletcher Smith con)

Halftime: 28-12

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