King Coles is now a merry old soul
DANE Coles had a confession to make after his Hurricanes bashed the Crusaders 35-10 in Christchurch last night.
Although the Hurricanes had hatched a plan to spurn kickable penalties at AMI Stadium – a daring tactic employed to chase a bonus-point win – he had his doubts that they would really strike pay dirt against a side that had thrashed the Rebels 85-26 the previous weekend.
‘‘I didn’t expect to get a bonus point – I am not going to lie,’’ Hurricanes captain Coles said after his side scored five tries.
‘‘I knew we could perform and get the result, but to get the bonus point was pretty pleasing. The last month of footy for us has been outstanding.’’
The All Blacks hooker, in his first year in charge of the side, hasn’t just helped guide them into the playoffs; he has watched his players display the sort of resilience that could yet lead them to claiming an elusive Super Rugby title.
Not even the late withdrawal of Ngani Laumape, which forced Jason Woodward to play in a midfield already robbed of other soldiers, could blow the Hurricanes off their stride.
The Hurricanes have perfected the knack of regenerating their playing stocks – and quickly.
‘‘We seem to be doing it at the right time,’’ Coles acknowledged.
‘‘It has kind of taken a while – guys like Willis [Halaholo] and Jason Woodward hasn’t played centre all year and I thought he was outstanding tonight.
‘‘We are not getting too carried away. It’s pleasing signs. We have to work hard this week, so looking forward to it.’’
Even with a scrum that was getting smashed in the first half, the Hurricanes were able to stay in the contest and TJ Perenara’s try from a charge down on the halftime bell gave them a vital 14-10 lead at the break.
And when Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg blew a fine attacking opportunity when he dropped the ball cold early in the second half, it was as if the Hurricanes gave each a wink and a nod and said they were going to make them pay.
They were ruthless. In the second half it was all one-way traffic as the Crusaders, who were forced to withdraw lock Sam Whitelock and halfback Andy Ellis at late notice because of illness and a calf strain, crumbled under the pres- GETTY IMAGES sure of the Highlanders’ fast line speed and their aggression in the rucks.
What a miserable way for the Crusaders to farewell their coach Todd Blackadder and popular halfback Ellis, among others, from Christchurch.
They are now going to be forced to travel for the playoffs and it is highly unlikely they will return to their home ground.
Ellis isn’t the only player in doubt for the quarterfinal.
Big wing Nemani Nadolo left the field with a hamstring injury and probably won’t play while Johnny McNicholl was also forced from the park with a dislocated finger.
Blackadder can only keep positive.
‘‘We just have to get on and do it,’’ Blackadder said. Hurricanes 35 (Jason Woodward, TJ Perenara, Willis Halaholo, Cullum Gibbins, Beauden Barrett; Barrett 5 con) Crusaders 10 (Ryan Crotty try; Richie Mo’unga con, pen) . HT: 14-10.