Hurricanes dig deep to keep their hopes alive
Saturday was a good night to be a Hurricanes enthusiast.
They might not have emulated the deeds of the other New Zealand Super Rugby sides, in putting an Australian foe to the sword, but the Hurricanes had a blinder all the same. Their 28-17 win over the Waratahs at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium was built on qualities not always associated with the Hurricanes.
They played with guts and accuracy and desire and have kept themselves right in the hunt to qualify for the quarterfinals, ahead of next weekend’s clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Hurricanes had started in a similar fashion to the Blues, Chiefs and Crusaders already this round, by establishing a healthy early advantage. Within 17 minutes they led 11-0 but, unlike the inept Brumbies, Reds and Rebels, the Waratahs didn’t take that as their cue to roll over.
Thanks to a combative approach to the breakdown and increasingly dominant scrum, the home side gradually worked their way back into the contest and by halftime trailed just 11-10.
A try to wing Taqele Naiyaravoro was converted by Bernard Foley, before the first five-eighth added a penalty three minutes after the halftime hooter had sounded. The Waratahs had methodically worked their way upfield and earned their reward when a falling Foley was hit high by Hurricanes second five-eighth Willis Halaholo.
Foley dusted himself off and slotted the penalty, as Halaholo cooled his heels in the sinbin.
The incident probably looked worse than it was, but wasn’t out of keeping with what had been a spirited first 40 minutes. Both teams badly needed a win, which was reflected in the level of niggle and chat. The Hurricanes had played the best, and most incisive rugby, and would’ve been disappointed not lead to by more than a point come halftime. Beauden Barrett scored all their first-half points, courtesy of two penalties and a try off a Cory Jane chip kick.
They were 17-11 down within three minutes of the re-start after Israel Folau beat four tacklers, including Ngani Laumape who was on for injured centre Matt Proctor, to score a fine individual try.
A well-worked try to Jane, converted by Barrett, put the Hurricanes 18-17 ahead after 49 minutes, and by the time Barrett had kicked a penalty, then converted a try from wing Julian Savea, the Hurricanes led 28-17 with 18 minutes remaining.
The Waratahs enjoyed plenty of encouraging moments thereafter, without being able to produce points. Partly they had their own execution to blame, but mostly the issue was the Hurricanes.
When someone had to make a telling tackle they did, and the team can all be very proud of their effort.
Hurricanes 28 (Beauden Barrett, Cory Jane, Julian Savea tries; Barrett 3 pen, 2 con) Waratahs 17 (Taqele Naiyaravoro, Israel Folau tries; Bernard Foley 2 con, pen).