Jordie’s full house sparks Hurricanes
JORDIE Barrett scored a hat-trick as the Hurricanes secured their first win of the season, courtesy of the full back’s incredible 30 points – an Aotearoa record for one player.
His kicking, line breaks and overall brilliance caused nightmares for the Highlanders defence as they lost 30-19 at home.
Aaron Smith became the all-time appearance holder for the Highlanders, playing his 154th game to surpass former full-back Ben Smith’s record.
Smith also broke the record for most Super Rugby matches played by a scrum-half.
Hurricanes led 17-7 at half time through two converted tries and a penalty from Barrett.
Highlanders, despite dominating possession, had just a converted try from Bryn Evans to show.
Barrett extended his tally to 24 points by finishing a wonderful backline move after his spiral bomb caused havoc.
His performance was personified by a long-range penalty from halfway.
Late tries from Connor Garden-Bachop and Thomas Umaga-Jensen reduced the deficit before another penalty from Barrett secured the win.
The Chiefs were victorious 15-12 over the Blues thanks to Damian McKenzie’s last minute try.
Clayton McMillan’s side sealed back to back wins after losing their previous 11 Super Rugby matches and moved up to third in the Aoteroa table.
All Blacks tighthead Ofa Tu’ungafasi became the eighth man to play 100 games for the Blues.
Despite an entertaining first half, just seven points were scored courtesy of Akira Ioane’s close range converted try.
Six kickable penalties were turned down by the Blues, in exchange for their unsuccessful driving maul. The Chiefs were more clinical with their penalties as Damian McKenzie’s three-pointer and Samisoni Taukei’aho’s unconverted try put the home side into the lead.
But the Blues responded as Tom Robinson’s line break saw the big centre over for an unconverted try.
However, McKenzie grabbed the match with his late converted touchdown after a great break by Luke Jacobson.