The Brumbies fell victim to a slick counter-attacking Hurricanes side, losing 26-5 in their first Super 14 pre-season rugby match at Porirua near Wellington on Friday.

The Hurricanes scored four tries to one and also displayed some quality defensive work.

The Brumbies applied pressure in the opening quarter and almost scored the first try, but flanker Henry Vanderglas had the ball knocked from his hands by Piri Weepu as he crossed the try line.

However, they conceded the first 26 points before recording a late try through replacement lock Sitaleki Timani.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Hurricanes caught the Brumbies short out wide twice, with winger Hosea Gear crossing for the opening try.

The Hurricanes converted third-quarter tries to centre Charlie Ngatai and lock Jason Eaton to build up a 21-0 advantage at three-quarter time.

Hooker Dane Coles added a fourth try for the home team before the Brumbies finally got on the board.

New Zealand under-20 star Aaron Cruden, the 2009 IRB Junior Player of the Year, landed two conversions as a second half replacement and Willie Ripia also kicked a conversion.

Lock Justin Harrison produced a strong 80 minute performance in his first game for the Brumbies since 2003, while flanker Mitch Chapman, Wallabies halfback and recruit Josh Valentine, Matt Toomua and Tyrone Smith were among the better backs for the visitors.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend reported no injuries and was confident the Brumbies would address their problem areas before their opening Super fixture against Western Force.

"I thought there was some really good stuff from our game structure and our set piece was good," Friend said.

"Poor execution probably let us down a bit but that happens in a first trial.

"Defensively we got a wake-up call and we were exposed a bit out wide and physicality-wise we need to be tougher, but we can address those things.

"You never like losing games of footy, but when you're learning things like we did and not getting any injuries, then it's not such a bad day."

The Brumbies are set to recall a number of their Wallabies for their final trial against the Waratahs in Canberra next Thursday.

Among those who didn't play in New Zealand were flanker George Smith and fullback Adam Ashley Cooper and major off season recruits five-eighth Matt Giteau and flanker Rocky Elsom.

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