Black Ferns hooker scores hat-trick as Chiefs charge on
Hooker Luka Connor’s hat-trick inspired the Chiefs Manawa to their commanding nine-try win against the Hurricanes Poua, to kick off Super Rugby Aupiki in style yesterday.
The defending champions scored 48 unanswered points after a shaky start at the Levin Domain and the Black Ferns hooker was in terrific form, as their forwards flattened the Poua to win 53-21.
The blueprint of the Black Ferns Rugby World Cup victory last year – an expansive, attacking game plan – was on display in some of the Hurricanes’ moves in the first half.
However, their attempts to offload and keep the ball alive were blunted by the Chiefs superiority with their set piece, their scrum, and efficient work around the breakdown.
Six of their starting eight in the forwards were current or former test players and, led by World
Cup winners such as Kennedy Simon, Chelsea Bremner, Tanya Kalounivale and Connor, they laid the platform to assert control after trailing 21-5 after 22min.
The Hurricanes looked dangerous in attack, but the Chiefs were better at the basics and effective with their lineout drive, as light rain fell steadily.
Connor completed her hattrick on the hour with another
smart finish close to the line.
The big moment
The Chiefs scoring three tries in six minutes early in the second half propelled them to their bonus-point victory. The Canes
never mounted a comeback.
MVP
Luka Connor departed in the 65th minute after a faultless performance. Never mind the three tries, her lineout throwing was accurate, her carries were strong, her defence was mean, and she was inspirational in their pack’s total control.
Match rating: 6/10
The first half was wildly entertaining when the Hurricanes had space, but the Chiefs found their ruthless rhythm.
The big picture
The Chiefs face the Blues in Albany on Saturday, while the Canes head south to play Matatā .