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FULLTIME – HURRICANES 56 HIGHLANDERS 20
On a sombre evening, the Hurricanes have defeated the Highlanders in Napier this evening and have wrapped up both the New Zealand conference and overall top spot in Super Rugby, guaranteeing a week off and a home semi final with one week remaining in round robin play.
After kick off, it was evident that both sides were intent in using the ball to full affect as the game was played at a frenectic pace. An early yellow card to Highlander Gareth Evans for a maul infringement gave the Hurricanes an early advantage which they took full toll of, scoring two trys in his absence.
As is the Highlanders way, they fought back with a quick brace of trys of their own to bring themselves back into the match but the Hurricanes were not to be denied this eveing bringing up a bonus point for four trys before halftime and scoring another practically straight away from the second half restart and effectively ending the match as a contest.
It certainly wasnt a clinical performance from the Hurricanes, the lineout was improved but still showed signs of craking and the defence at times was not up to their expected level.
In the end, the Hurricanes scored eight trys to three in a comprehensive attacking performance that will do the confidence a world of good after last weeks dissapointing performance and the campaign is well and truly back on track on a bittersweet night.
The Highlanders will not be happy with tonights effort, particularly on defence while Lima Sopoaga goal kicking strangely deserted him tonight but they will know they were up against a determined Hurricanes side this evening and with their All Blacks looking to return next week they are still well in the hunt to secure 4th place and a home play off in the first week of the finals.
Vale Jerry Collins
The opening match of Round 17 of the 2015 Super Rugby season sees the Hurricanes host the Highlanders from McLean Park in Napier. Join us for all the action from 5:35pm (AEST).
First and second within the New Zealand conference go head-to-head here, in what shapes as an exciting contest.
For the Hurricanes, a win tonight will guarantee not just first position in the New Zealand conference but also first place overall heading into the playoffs.
A bonus-point win will keep the Highlanders in the hunt for the overall conference lead, although they also need to deny the Hurricanes any bonus points.
The task has been made a little harder for the Highlanders this evening with coach Jamie Joseph resting Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa and Aaron Smith due to the expected rest period for the All Blacks in this World Cup year.
While this is a blow, the Highlanders still present a formidable challenge and contain plenty of firepower, with Ryan Tongia and the sensational Waisake Naholo sure to create headaches for the Hurricanes defence, while Lima Sopoaga has had a terrific season at first five and will view this as an excellent opportunity to press his claims for an All Black berth up against Beauden Barrett.
The Hurricanes have been runaway leaders this season, but they hit a stumbling block last weekend when well beaten by the Crusaders. Of particular interest to the Highlanders will be the Hurricanes lineout woes, losing seven on their own throw.
After confirming their finals spot, the Canes will not want to stutter into the playoffs and they will certainly not want to concede a game here against a potential knock-out opponent missing some of their key performers.
Ma’a Nonu is out, but this has been offset somewhat by the return from injury of number one playmaker Barrett, who is likely to bring back more control and cohesion to the Hurricanes after a month off with injury.
With Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder out wide, the Hurricanes have plenty of firepower to match the Highlanders. The individual clash between Savea and Naholo should be worth the price of admission alone!
Join The Roar from 5:35pm as we cover the match, and don’t forget to leave your thoughts on the play below.
Tip – Hurricanes
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.