The New South Wales Waratahs handed an error-ridden Hurricanes an early Super 14 season wakeup call with a 20-3 defeat here tonight.

Led by a two-try performance by impressive fullback Lachlan Turner, last year's 13th-placed side were too desperate and too polished for the Hurricanes whose usually impressive attack suffered a case of the early season dropsies.

The Hurricanes still had a slim hope at 3-15 down with 10 minutes remaining but Turner's second try in the 74th minute snuffed them out as the hosts stormed home.

To add insult, All Black Ma'a Nonu was yellow carded with three minutes remaining for dropping his knees into a tackle.

The Waratahs scored three tries to none and nearly grabbed a bonus point on the fulltime hooter but referee Craig Joubert called back reserve Sam Harris for a forward pass.

The Hurricanes' handling and attacking options will need serious attention this week as they prepare to host the resurgent Queensland Reds on Friday.

The hosts led 10-3 after a frustrating first half when the Hurricanes had plenty of chances but couldn't finish.

There was nearly an early casualty in bizarre circumstances when Hurricanes fullback Cory Jane was flattened and dazed when he wore a Kurtley Beale clearing kick square in the face.

The visitors dominated the opening stanzas but the closest they got was when winger Hosea Gear was bundled into touch in the corner by Turner from a Jimmy Gopperth crosskick.

Too much lateral passing and early season handling errors didn't help their cause, while the Waratahs' drift defence was solid.

In contrast the Waratahs took their opportunities, man of the match Wycliff Palu leading the way in a muscular performance up front.

Turner opened the scoring with an 18th minute try after a sustained period of Waratahs attack which included 13 consecutive phases.

From a scrum move, Lote Tuqiri chimed in, fellow league convert Timana Tahu flicked it on and Turner burned off his opposite number Jane in a race to the left corner.

Beale's conversion, then a 37th minute penalty, ensured the hosts took the halftime advantage while Gopperth's 23rd minute penalty was all the Hurricanes had to show for their first half toil.

The Waratahs raced back onto attack after the break and struck a crucial blow when Rocky Elsom scrambled from a ruck and reached out to score three minutes after the resumption.

Beale's conversion attempt missed from wide out but 15-3 was a handy buffer.

The Hurricanes made plenty of half breaks as they sought their opening try but continued to turn over ball with loose passes.

Coach Colin Cooper rolled on his replacements in the final quarter but the tryline proved elusive.

The Waratahs sealed it with six minutes left from a simple overlap to give Turner a second try.

The Waratahs now travel to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs next Saturday, while the Hurricanes fly north to take on the Reds on Friday.

Waratahs 20 (Lachlan Turner 2, Rocky Elsom tries; Kurtley Beale pen, con) Hurricanes 3 (Jimmy Gopperth pen). Halftime: 10-3. 

Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Lote Tuqiri, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Timana Tahu, Kurtley Beale, Brett Sheehan, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Luke Burgess, Sam Harris and Alfi Mafi.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Tim Fairbrother, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves: Hikawera Elliot, Neemia Tialata, Craig Clarke, Thomas Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Willie Ripia, Shannon Paku