The Blues are up and running for the new season with a huge away victory over the Hurricanes. Make sure you stay with us on Tribe for live coverage of the second match in this Super Rugby double header later on. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from Sky Stadium in Wellington. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.

A tough start to the season in retrospect for the Hurricanes. They showed heart and fight throughout, but ultimately, didn't have the ability or skillset to match it with the Blues up front. The hosts continually lost control of the advantage line, and as a result of the pummeling they recieved, fatigued as the contest wore on. King was easily their best with a number of line-breaks when she got her hands on the ball, whilst Waterman had some bright moments, but aside from a few consolation tries, it was an afternoon of few bright notes for the Hurricanes. Again they look like they have plenty of work to do if they are to be competitive this season.

Based on some of the rugby we've seen across the opening round today, it's going to be hard to beat the Blues this season. They completelty bossed the Poua in the collision zone, taking charge with their big forward pack, and dictating at set-piece as well. They kept ball in hand at every opportunity too, backing themselves to carry from deep and overpower their opponents around the park. It wasn't full throttle for the full 80 minutes, but they still managed to put 50 points on the board, and showed some lethal finishing close to the line. Moimoi, Vaipulu, Roos, and Mikaele-Tu'u were all tremendous in laying down the platform up front. Whilst Vaha'akolo, Sorensen-McGee, Woodman, and Demant showed their clinical touch in the backline. Almost a complete all-round performance to start the new season.

Full-time in Wellington and the Blues have kickstarted their quest for back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles with a big win over the Hurricanes Poua. It was dominant from the defending champions from start to finish, scoring seven tries and a half-century of points, whilst blasting the Poua away with their physicality up front. The 'Canes fought hard, but were starved of possession, and struggled to create enough with ball in hand when they did get opportunities.

Smith's conversion attempt pulls up short.

LATE CONSOLATION! It's turned into a game of sevens late on, and the ball bounces from side to side. The 'Canes get it under control and break away into space down the right. Aiolupotea picks up the final pass, and strolls into score down in the right-hand corner.

Quick tap taken, and the Blues spread it wide to the left for Woodman. The Canes get in to win another turnover penalty though, and Landon-Lane finds touch 40m from her own line. It's wayward though, and the Blues pinch it back.