Hurricanes blow Brumbies away
The Hurricanes completed their Super 14 pre-season with a comprehensive 42-21 victory over the Brumbies in Levin on Friday.
The Hurricanes completed their Super 14 pre-season with a comprehensive 42-21 victory over the Brumbies in Levin on Friday.
The Hurricanes, who were at full strength for the clash, ran in six tries to the Brumbies three.
The Wellington-based franchiswe look in great form heading into the Super 14 next week.
The 'Canes dominated territory and possession throughout, and looked to have taken the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) in their stride.
However, it was the Brumbies who got the scoreboard rolling, as early as the second minute. Mark Gerrard, playing at fullback, outstripped the Hurricanes defence to put the visitors in front. Julian Huxley made it 7-0 with the conversion.
The Hurricanes struck back almost immediately, courtesy of a Jerry Collins try, after a fabulous break from No.7 Chris Masoe.
The Hurricanes back row of Collins, Masoe and skipper Todney So'oialo were outstanding on the night – continuously hassling the Brumbies, both on defence and attack.
The Hurricanes scored their second try soon after, this time Masoe dotting down to put the home side in the lead.
After having a hand in Hurricanes' first try, then scoring the second, Masoe was subsequently yellow carded by referee Kelvin Deaker for fighting. All this happening in the space of nine minutes.
The visitors were quick to take advantage of the All Black flank's indiscretion when scrumhalf Josh Holmes, playing in his first match in Brumbies colours, scored after a sniping break from a lineout.
Julian Huxley converted to even it up at 14-all.
Once again the Hurricanes struck back, through Tamati Ellison, after a clever inside pass from Piri Weepu.
Flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth made sure of the conversion, ensuring his team had a 21-14 lead at the break.
The New Zealanders struck first in the second half when replacement Jacob Ellison capitalised on his side's sustained pressure with a push over try in the 57th minute/.
The Canberra-based side hit back two minutes later when hooker Huia Edmonds put replacement fullback Afusipa Taumoepeau in for his second try in as many weeks.
The Hurricanes scored a further two tries in the final ten minutes, Conrad Smith and Zac Guildford getting their names on the try-scoring list.
The Hurricanes were full value for their 42-21 victory, and baring any serious injuries to key players, could be in for a strong showing in the Super 14.
Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher said next week's first round of the Super 14 will provide a great unknown for, sides courtesy of the new ELVs.
“We let them off over the ball too many times and we've got to get better at shutting the ball down,” he said.
“But it will be interesting to see when we're playing for points how much sides play out of their own 22 or whether they play a kick-chase game and play more randomly up the other end.
“But I'm not sure how indicative the trials are of how sides will play next week.”
The opening round of the Super 14 sees the Brumbies travelling to Christchurch to face the Crusaders on Friday, February 15.
The Hurricanes start their campaign in Sydney, where they take on the in-form Waratahs the following day.
The Scorers:
For the Hurricanes:
Tries: Collins, Masoe, Ellison, Smith, Guilford, Ellison
Cons: Gopperth 3, Ripia 3
For the Brumbies:
Tries: Gerrard, Holmes, Taumoepeau
Cons: Huxley 2, Faingaa 1
Teams:
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane,14 Hosea Gear,13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tamati Ellison,11 Shannon Paku, 10 Jimmy Gopperth,9 Piri Weepu,8 Rodney So'oialo (captain), 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush,3 Tim Fairbrother,2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements (from): Hikawera Elliot, Neemia Tialata, Bernie Upton, Michael Johnson, Alby Mathewson, Zac Guildford, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Jacob Ellison, Thomas Waldrom, Craig Clarke, Scott Waldr, Ma'a Nonu, Willie Ripia
Brumbies: 15 Mark Gerrard,14 Peter Playford, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Gene Fairbanks, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Julian Huxley, 9 Joshua Holmes, 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 Richard Stanford, 6 Mitchell Chapman, 5 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2.Saia Faingaa, 1. Salesi Ma'afu.
Replacements (from): Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson, Peter Kimlin, Jone Tawake, Patrick Phibbs, Christian Lealiifano, Afusipa Taumoepea, Tyrone Smith, Anthony Faingaa, George Smith,John Ulugia.
Referee: Kelvin Deaker
Touch judges: Brent Murray, local