Barrets star for Canes

Rugby: The Hurricanes showcased their mastery of the counterattack to fend off the Blues at Eden Park last night and shore up second spot in the New Zealand Conference.

The Barrett brothers proved lethal, fullback Jordie nosing the Hurricanes in front with a firsthalf try and first fiveeighth Beauden making a brilliant intercept to cross in the second as the visiting side claimed its fifth successive win.

The Blues battled hard and dominated possession and territory but were denied repeatedly by dogged goalline defence and slumped to their fourth straight loss.

Hurricanes 22 (Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Ben Lam tries; B Barrett 2 con; J Barrett pen), Blues 12 (Sam Nock, Dalton Papali’i tries; Harry Plummer con). Halftime: 147. — Reuters