Moana Pasifika have been overrun in Wellington, where the Hurricanes scored their first try inside two minutes and added 10 more in a record 71-22 win, their eighth victory from 11 matches.

The second-placed Hurricanes posted their highest Super Rugby score, bouncing back from last week's shock loss to the Fijian Drua.

Three of their tries went to captain Ardie Savea, whose tireless ball carrying kept the Hurricanes on the front foot throughout.

"I'm proud of the boys' effort tonight," Savea said.

"We knew what Moana would bring. I'm just happy the boys bounced back after last week and produced a good performance in front of our fans."

Moana Pasifika also had a try inside five minutes and were competitive at first in a match that produced 48 first-half points.

The Hurricanes led 29-19 at halftime, then outscored the visitors 42-3 after the break, adding six tries including Savea's hat-trick.

The scrum was a weapon for the Hurricanes in the first half, and in the second their fast passing and offloading ability was too much for Moana Pasifika.

Kini Naholo scored two tries, while Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett and Aidan Morgan also touched down for the Hurricanes in the first half.

Jacob Devery, Salesi Rayasi and Caleb Delaney added to Savea's three tries in the second period.

The most spectacular might have been Rayasi's try. The last pass came from Morgan who tried to hurdle two defenders under the posts and was suspended in mid-air when the winger scored.

- with AP