An utterly clinical performance from the Hurricanes has seen them take a 33-point win over a the Lions side that, particularly in the first half, was dismal.
REPORT: SEVEN-TRY HURRICANES ROUT LIONS
Way too many mistakes, unable to capitalise on field position and possession and just ended up assisting the Hurricanes to score points with the two intercept passes that were thrown, both resulting in tries.
Lions need to drastically improve, but the Hurricanes showed what they’re made of with arguably their best performance this season. Great work from the men from New Zealand.
The Lions performed better early in the second half, but it was too little too late. The Hurricanes won the game in the first 20 minutes with the tenacity and power they displayed all over the park.
Final score
Lions 17
Hurricanes 50
The Hurricanes travel to South Africa for a two-week tour, commencing against the in-form Lions in Johannesburg early on Sunday morning. Join The Roar from 1:05am (AEST) for live coverage of this Round 10 clash.
The hosts have been in tremendous touch over the last few weeks, including a 45-10 drubbing of the Kings a week ago. For this reason, they find themselves on top of the second South African group with 27 points, while also sitting one-point shy of the conference leaders, the Bulls and Stormers.
In comparison, the Hurricanes narrowly lost to competition leaders the Chiefs by one-point last week, the final score being 28-27. Despite this, they still hold onto a wildcard position heading into their match-up against the Lions.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd has only made one change to the XV that played the Chiefs. Lock Blade Thomson moves to the bench, replaced by Vaea Fifita. In addition, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi drops out of the match day 23 in favour of Jamison Gibson-Park and James Marshall forces his way onto into jersey 22 as the bench utility.
For the Lions, three changes have been made to the forward pack ahead of this interesting fixture. Coach Johan Ackermann has called upon the services of flanker Jaco Kriel, and props Dylan Smith and Pieter Scholtz. Two of the players the trio replaced, Cyle Brink and Corne Fourie head onto the bench, but Ruan Dreyer is unable to take his spot due to an injury sustained last weekend.
Prediction
This game can go either way, but you’d be mad not to pick the in-form Lions to just triumph through home ground advantage.
Lions by 5.
Join The Roar from 1:05am (AEST) for live coverage of this Round 10 clash.
Mark
Guest
Nick Mallet needs to learn the rules 1. As to when a Ruck is formed 2. As to when an Offside Line is formed Seems like Nick Mallet knows the rules as well as Kearns/Martin/Smith and Clark
Mark
Guest
Impressive performance from Barrett Really stepped it up this week (a lot of one eyed moronic Wellington Journos thought he was brilliant last week - he wasn't - but those same Journos also spent the week defaming Rennie - the scum)
John D
Guest
I believe the Chiefs are struggling at this point. I'm picking the Highlanders to take them out in Hamilton this week. The Crusaders look ominous, but I like the hurricanes form right now. Slow start, but building momentum, and looking deadly. Top three are NZ teams, possibly top four, and the Blues are probably in the top eight.
Lara
Guest
Just saw the highlights only, but Goodes try for a prop was top shelf.
Beezlebub
Guest
Sour grapes for breakfast, please......
Beezlebub
Guest
A dud prediction but it shows the depth of the Kiwi teams these days. Also canes were coming off some close games with tough opponents it was probably a bit early not to trust them overseas.
WEST
Roar Guru
Excellent game by the Canes! Hurricanes scored three tries in eight minutes. The Canes forced 16 turnovers and missed 20 of 110 tackles on their way to a impressive bonus point victory. The Hurricanes are one point shy of the Crusaders in the New Zealand conference though the red and blacks have a game in hand. Great game
Kuruki
Roar Guru
I think so, looks like they have put more effort into having a dry track then having a safe surface to play on.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes outside the seven tries they were much better! Just unfortunate for the Lions that they got the Canes at their best, the newer players (and the grand old man in Jane) stepping up. Fifita, Fatialofa, Proctor all having great games. The squeeze is really on in the NZ conference that's for sure.
John D
Guest
taylorman - I saw at least one, and in some cases five or six hurricanes ahead of their man as they sprinted for their 7 tries. All of them! Lions clearly the better team... ;)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Gee that's poor refereeing then, such a shame. Were they offside when they were getting all those tries as well?
Digby
Roar Guru
Am so happy. Great day.
I'm that Kinda GUY
Guest
By not committing to the breakdown early on the hurricanes turned the ball over repeatedly and, the lions weak defense was exposed
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Mate... Canes' didn't make a mistake... defended big time for about 6-8 mins then cut loose... 21 nil after 19mins... then a couple of intercepts but Proctor and Jane.. 36 points in the first half.... the Lions got buried in the breakdown... as I say, everything the Canes did or tried in the first half came off... Michael 'Fats' had a great first half... into everything..
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
I have to say I agree. I thought the Hurricanes played the entire match offside. I've rarely seen anything quite like it.
taylorman
Roar Guru
No, missed it so caught up with the remote. Looked 'routish' then as well. Thought the Lions scored when Savea stole in the end though. Looked like it touched the ground but other than that way too strong.
Scrumma
Guest
I'd like to hear what phil kearns thinks about the Hurricanes now lmbao.
DanFan
Guest
Nick Mallet saying the Hurricanes were offside every ruck. Can't admit he got it completely wrong. Na as Botha a bit more realistic despite his pre-match predictions.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Matt Proctor ... I wonder if he is related to my missus?... nah ....
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks Nathan.... I'll take 40 winks then be back!