Flyhalf Noah Lolesio scored 17 points as the Brumbies beat the Hurricanes on Saturday to hand the visitors their first loss of the Super Rugby season.

The third-placed Brumbies scored all three of their tries in the opening quarter of a fast-moving 27-19 win in Canberra, before Lolesio’s boot kept them in front of a Hurricanes side who had won their opening eight games.

It was a stark reversal of form for the Australian side, who suffered the third-biggest loss in their history last week, when thrashed 46-7 by the Blues — their second defeat of the season.

They dominated the breakdown and possession against the Hurricanes, playing with continuity and denying the dangerous visiting backline opportunities for long periods.

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Lolesio opened the scoring with a sharp try down the blindside before outstanding midfield back Tamati Tua and winger Ollie Sapsford also crossed as the home side built a 24-12 lead at the interval.

The standout Hurricanes performer was prop Xavier Numia, who powered over for two first-half tries and was at the forefront of a potent scrummaging display.

Jordie Barrett completed a fine counter-attack to reduce the deficit to eight points with 35 minutes remaining but there were no further points scored as the sunny afternoon conditions appeared to drain the players of energy.

Meanwhile, scrumhalf Folau Fakatava scored the only try of the match as the Highlanders scrambled to a 7-6 victory against the Force in Dunedin to snap a five-game losing streak and improve their playoff chances.

Earlier, winger Taniela Rakuro scored two tries as the Fijian Drua beat Moana Pasifika 24-17 in front of their home supporters in Lautoka.

Rakuro used his pace to cross in the second minute and bagged his second with 10 minutes remaining to secure victory before the visitors ran in two late tries.

The Drua’s fourth win from nine games leaves them seventh on the standings while Moana dropped to a 3-6 win-loss record.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: @BrumbiesRugby/Twitter

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