Ngani Laumape showed just how much playing in front of his home crowd in Palmerston North meant to him by inspiring the Hurricanes to an impressive 43-13 at Central Energy Trust Arena on Friday night.
In front of a sell out crowd who were enjoying perfect conditions, Laumape scored a hat-trick of tries as the Hurricanes proved too good for a Brumbies side who were backing up from an emphatic win over the Chiefs the previous round.
The Hurricanes started the match really well and were on the front foot for the opening 15 minutes of the match.
They made their domination count as captain Dane Coles latched on to a loose ball and ran more than 20m to open the scoring.
It was then Laumape's turn to get over the line as some razzle dazzle rugby between a number of players ended with the former Palmerston North Boys' High School star crossing to the delight of the crowd.
The visitors fought back for the majority of the half and closed the gap to 14-8 before Coles scored an impressive second try following some fine lead-up work by TJ Perenara.
The Hurricanes then made sure of the win by starting the second half strongly, taking a penalty and then backing themselves to score which they did through Laumape who showed tremendous power and then pace to round out his hat-trick.
The icing on the performance was James Blackwell crossing after the hooter for his first Hurricanes try.
The side now return to Wellington to prepare to face the Highlanders at Westpac Stadium next Friday.
Hurricanes 43 (Ngani Laumape 3, Dane Coles 2, James Blackwell tries; Beauden Barrett 4 con, pen, Jackson Garden-Bachop con) Brumbies 13 (Folau Fainga'a, Tom Wright tries; Christian Lealiifano pen). HT: 19-8
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