Rugby: Hurricanes escape Perth with no injuries

Beauden Barrett. Photo / Getty Images.

Bumps and bruises are the only ailments the Hurricanes are nursing following their 42-13 win over the Western Force in Perth.

Last night's victory saw the Hurricanes continue their perfect start to the Super Rugby season following wins over the Lions and the Bulls in South Africa.

Influential first-five Beauden Barrett took a minor knock to his knee but was expected to be fine, while prop Reggie Goodes passed his concussion tests this morning.

Forward Blade Thomson was scratched from the outing against the Force after he tweaked a nerve in his shoulder/arm but it wasn't thought to be serious.

"Blade's going to be fine," Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said.

Thomson suffered his injury scare the day before the game and reserve lock Geoffrey Cridge also had a back problem so it meant flanker Adam Hill had to fly to Perth at the last minute.

Hill only arrived in Western Australia three hours before the game but was rushed to nib Stadium and eventually played a small role off the bench.

The Hurricanes spoke of how the trip to Perth was often tricky following matches in South Africa but they remained calm during their preparation for the contest and banked a four-try bonus point too.

"It's easy to let your guard down but we were certainly happy to get the five points," Boyd said. "I was particularly happy with the effort of the forwards. I think the pack's going real good."

The Hurricanes will have a few days off before they reassemble on Wednesday during their bye week. Their next outing is against the Blues in Palmerston North on March 13.

The Hurricanes development side will play against their counterparts from the Crusaders in Porirua on Thursday, which will give Boyd the chance to give his other squad members some game-time.

Hooker Motu Matu'u will return from injury on Thursday, which will be pleasing for Boyd who has to juggle his All Blacks this season and give them two games off to keep them fresh ahead of the World Cup.

Matu'u, when fit, will spell All Black rake Dane Coles, who captained the Hurricanes last night in the absence of Conrad Smith (rest).

Boyd said he will rotate more of his All Blacks in the next few games.