Super Rugby LIVE: Waratahs stunned as Hurricanes pile on early tries

The Waratahs have been camped on their own line for the start of the second half.

No.10 Will Harrison is doing his best to control the game but isn’t getting a lot of help from the Waratahs forwards. The Tahs have only had 37 per cent possession and 39 per cent territory in this match.

NSW win a lineout five metres from their line but halfback Jack Grant’s box kick is charged down.

It’s put down over the line by the Hurricanes but the TMO says it’s a knock-on, by the slimmest of margins. A little let-off there for NSW and a questionable option so close to their line.

Hurricanes 26-0 Waratahs (after 58 minutes)

Waratahs assistant coach Chris Whitaker delivered somewhat of an understatement at half-time.

“We’re coming second at the moment by a long way,” the former Waratahs great told local broadcasters.

The Waratahs need their first tackles to stick and get some points on the board to get the confidence up. Players look like they’re just playing within themselves at the moment.

A poor pass from No.12 Lalakai Foketi goes through Dylan Pietsch’s hands and into touch. The NSW coaching box is not a happy camp at the moment. Tough to watch.

Hurricanes 26-0 Waratahs (after 45 minutes)

That’s 40 minutes of rugby the Waratahs would like to forget.

Not a lot is going right in Wellington as the Hurricanes assert their physical dominance and capitalise on poor discipline and sloppy tackle attempts.

With half a chance down the right, NSW No.7 Hunter Ward knocks on. Sums up the half.

Four tries conceded. Some terse words coming up at half-time you’d imagine from Darren Coleman.

Can’t see a way for the Waratahs to get back in this game. Not like they have a stacked bench ready to come on and unleash.

Hurricanes 26-0 Waratahs

Mark Nawaqanitawase tries a little grubber kick in behind the Hurricanes line but Dylan Pietsch just can’t win the race to the ball.

Here are some alarming stats for the Waratahs coaches to ponder.

The men in sky blue have missed 21 tackles so far from half an hour of rugby.

Some teams don’t miss that many in a full game.

Oh dear. Another try for the Hurricanes. Brayden Iose this time in open space down the right.

Any danger of the Waratahs switching on here? Boys against men at the moment.

Hurricanes 26-0 Waratahs (after 30 minutes)

A shambolic start for the Waratahs who just can’t get into the game.

A wonderful offload from loose-head prop Pouri Rakete-Stones sets up a run of play that is finished under the sticks by Joshua Moorby.

The Waratahs are stunned.

Hurricanes 21-0 Waratahs (after 18 minutes)

The Waratahs can barely get their hands on the ball at the moment as the Hurricanes make life difficult at breakdowns.

It’s average discipline from the visitors too. Firstly, an offside penalty. Then Tahs prop Hayden Thompson-Stringer makes a lazy high tackle.

Again, Thompson-Stringer is penalised for not releasing with the Hurricanes just short of the NSW. Two more penalty advantages.

Finally, Canes No.10 Brett Cameron finds some space and over the line.

NSW have had just 13 per cent of territory in the opening 15 minutes.

Hurricanes 14-0 Waratahs (after 15 minutes)

Not ideal for the Waratahs.

NSW skipper Jake Gordon feeds the ball but Hurricanes end up with possession after a dominant scrum.

The Waratahs can’t retreat in time as Billy Proctor scores down the left edge after a couple of quick passes out his way.

The conversion is good. Ominous signs three minutes into this clash.

Hurricanes 7-0 Waratahs

Buckle up.

Hugh Sinclair leads the Waratahs out in his 50th match. Certainly an underrated figure in this NSW team.

Can’t see the Waratahs getting the job done, particularly given they’ve left a handful of their best players out of the starting XV. As coach Darren Coleman said in the pre-game, his boys need to strike early.

Otherwise, it could be a long night against the table-topping Hurricanes.

Hurricanes by 21.