Super Rugby trial results: Waratahs thump Blues, Reds topple Chiefs, Rebels edge out Hurricanes and more

HOW is your team shaping up for the season? Check out all the Super Rugby trial results from across the weekend.

HOW is your team shaping up for the 2014 Super Rugby season?

Check out all the results from the Super Rugby trials in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa this weekend.

Crusaders 28 d Highlanders 15 at Motueka Sportspark

The Crusaders opened their season by scoring four tries to two in a 28-15 win over the Highlanders in Motueka.

Heavy pre-match rain and a soggy field detracted from the spectacle although it didn’t stop the Crusaders racing 28-3 ahead midway through the third quarter.

The Highlanders responded with late tries to former Melbourne Rebels hooker Ged Robinson and centre Malakai Fekitoa.

All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg crossed early for the Crusaders followed by a try to halfback Andy Ellis, both of which were converted by five-eighth Tyler Bleyendaal.

News_Rich_Media: Benji Marshall says he is enjoying the challenge in rugby union despite the Blues hammering at the hands of the Waratahs.

A 14-0 quarter-time advantage became 21-3 at half-time after wing Nafi Tuitavake scored a long-range try in response to five-eighth Willie Ripia’s penalty for the Highlanders.

The Crusaders’ fourth try was scored by centre Kieron Fonotia, a member of their wider training group.

It was converted by Colin Slade, in his first appearance since returning to the Crusaders following three injury-disrupted seasons with the Highlanders.

NSW Waratahs 33 d Blues 12 at Allianz Stadium

Benji Marshall failed to impress in his return to Sydney as a rugby player as NSW Waratahs thumped the Blues in a trial match.

News_Image_File: Waratahs fullback Israel Folau runs the ball against the Blues at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello

A hot-stepping former league player was the star attraction at Allianz Stadium on Friday night — but his name wasn’t Benji.

Deceptively named NSW rookie Alofa Alofa stole the show as the Waratahs ran away big victors over Benji Marshall’s Blues, scoring five tries to two in an entertaining trial.

Read more: Tahs’ new weapon is double trouble

Western Force d Samoa A 69-3 at Lark Hill Sports Complex

New recruit Luke Morahan scored a double as Western Force ran in 11 tries to thrash Samoa A 69-3 in Rockingham.

Morahan, in his first game for the Force after switching from Queensland Reds, was the only multiple try-scorer as the Perth-based side had its first hit-out for 2014.

Sharks 57 d Lions 14 at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Springboks winger Odwa Ndungane crossed for two tries — his first after just 90 seconds — as the Sharks thrashed the Lions 57-14 at Ellis Park.

Stormers 40 d Kings 7 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Nic Groom and Siya Kolisi each notched doubles as the Stormers ran in six tries to down the Southern Kings 40-7 in Port Elizabeth.

News_Image_File: Henry Speight in action for the Brumbies against ACT XV at Viking Park.

ACT Brumbies 67 d ACT XV 0 at Viking Park

Star Wallabies flanker David Pocock impressed in his first game on Australian soil in 11 months as the Brumbies recorded a 67-0 trial thrashing of an ACT XV in Canberra.

The Brumbies wasted no time taking charge of the Saturday night trial at Viking Park, with Japan international and inside centre Harumichi Tatekawi scoring the first of 11 tries from an attacking scrum in just the fourth minute.

Read more: Pocock ‘already back to Test level’

Queensland Reds 31 d Chiefs 20 at Toowoomba Sports Ground

Wing recruit Lachie Turner’s first touch of the footy in a Reds jersey produced a try in Toowoomba as an exciting preview of the team’s attacking mood for 2014.

News_Image_File: Chris Feauai-Sautia of the Reds during the Super Rugby trial game between the Queensland Reds and the Chiefs played in Toowoomba. Pic Darren England.

The Reds rattled on four tries in a convincing 31-20 win over New Zealand’s Chiefs, the 2013 Super Rugby champions, as a confidence-lifting first trial for 7438 fans.

Full report: Reds turn on the style against Chiefs

Melbourne Rebels 24 d Hurricanes 22 at Simonds Stadium

Melbourne continued a promising Super Rugby preparation with a tense trial victory over the Hurricanes at Simonds Stadium, fanning hopes of significant improvement in 2014.

Unable to win a trial in its first three seasons, Melbourne has edged out NSW and the Hurricanes so far this year.

Tries to Hugh Pyle and Colby Fainga’a enabled the Rebels to maintain touch with the free-scoring Hurricanes before a pair of second half penalties saw them scramble to a 24-22 triumph.

Full report: Rebels on a roll with another trial win