The Hurricanes have beaten the Lions 20-3 to win their first ever Super Rugby championship in a thrilling final.
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A Beauden Barrett masterclass robbed the Lions in their first Super Rugby final as the young flyhalf took home 15 of the Hurricanes’ 20 points to guide his side to victory.
A rain-affected match up in Wellington got off to a blinding start for the home side when winger Corey Jane crossed the line for the Hurricanes inside the first ten minutes.
Excitement quickly turned to heartbreak though when the TMO denied him the five-pointer for a knock on two phases back in field – a decision not appreciated by the home fans.
An incredibly tight defensive effort for the Canes were on the back foot from then on as the Lions looked to snag an early lead, dominating the early possession and field position.
The Lions would become their own worst enemy though, coughing up some very loose all work at the back to gift Jane redemption and the first try of the match 22 minutes in.
A penalty goal for each side capped off the scoring for the opening forty minutes, with the Canes taking a 10-3 lead into the break.
The second half began much the same way the first ended, as the Lions continued to push towards the Canes line, looking to break a Hurricanes defence that had gone 250+ minutes without conceding a try.
The Canes found the going tough in the early parts of the second stanza, but as frustration set in for the Lions and the rain continued to make life difficult for the halves, the tides began to change.
Another penalty goal and a Barrett try in the 70th minute were the final nails in the coffin of season 2016.
A valiant effort from the Lions who really held their own in very tough conditions on foreign soil, holding onto a superior possession and field position count right up to the final whistle.
It was simply their execution in side the enemy half that hurt them in the end as the relentless Canes wall of yellow and black refused to let them through.
Grahame
Guest
And also congratulations to "The Crowd", the overall winner!
Nobody
Guest
Geez, it'll be the asians next!
Chivas
Guest
Yet you also felt compelled to comment on it. My comment was merely in response to someone making the suggestion the Hurricanes were lucky to be hosting. Pinetree supported my assertion and now it is all about defining the Lions season as a missed opportunity. Well there was a trick missed that was within the coaches control. Injuries and acts of God are not. Even Ackerman has acknowledged it. I think that the Lions surprised everyone just how deep into the Comp they went and the level they consistently played to. In my view they played some spectacularly footy and not only fully earned their place in the final, but were the real deal throughout the entire season. I have enjoyed watching them immensely every game I have seen them play, but that does not prevent me or others passing comment on other facets. As for arrogance TMan, sometimes your own posts in an attempt to defend your post and then claiming it is boring or dictating what people should and shouldn't comment on, also tends to demonstrate a degree of arrogance.
Digby
Roar Guru
Pretty damn happy mate.
Digby
Roar Guru
Kind words Rob, cheers
Digby
Roar Guru
Yes, it was an understatement ;)
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks NB
Digby
Roar Guru
Cheers James, great day indeed. Am looking forward to the track next week, can certainly focus on the Olympics now.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Riddler and WB, great day indeed.
Digby
Roar Guru
Cheers OJ, just fortunate to be there.
ben
Guest
See aussikiwis post above keith. Now if we are talking about manners i would say an apology is in order...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Perhaps, but way to much has been made of the decision. It's done and nothing can be done about it. Seems everyone was waiting for them to lose and jump on here to say so. Very little has been spoken about the game itself. Plus there's no guarantee the Lions would have won at home so there's no clear cut and obvious right or wrong here to suggest the level of arrogance being suggested. And can you tell me what injuries they would have had? I doubt it. Anyway, it's getting boring now. It's done. Pity a very good sides season is being defined by a coaches either marginal or arrogant decision- depending on what pills you take, rather than the rugby it is playing.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Democracy and free speech are not related concepts. They can and usually go together but not necessarily. This guy has to read a bit more before writing stupid opinions. Democracy and free immigration, if this is what he has in mind, also not necessarily go together. Indeed, most countries, whether democratic or not, restrict immigration. Did he really finish high school?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Overrun by kiwis? Your honor! I object to that disparaging remark! What about us, Argies?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Watch it, Harry. First, make sure you are sober.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I agree Taylorman. I have met Dane a few times, and he has always been gracious, pleasant, humble and incredibly polite. He also comes across as a bit shy with the media. So, I think he just "brain-froze". I do not doubt his sportsmanship one bit. When the ABs played in Chicago, at pregame time he saw me on the side of the field and asked me to walk with him. He was so excited to be in Soldier's Field and very regretful of not playing. I couldn't believe that he recognized me and that he treated me just as nicely as can be.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
i am concerned for concerned.
Marcus J
Guest
As a Saffa I've loved the insights & banter on The Roar for weeks now....high brow, witty stuff. To Kirk... The two best teams made it to the final althogh any of the last four could've won it.. respectfully... the Saders however at more of a stretcht to the others. As for the Lions' getting a favourable draw.. agreed. That however has been the casewith the Antipodean sides historically since SA teams had to rack up far more Flyer miles to play both nationalities down under. The home ground advantage stats in knock out games conclusively proven there. The type of rugby played by the Lions' is what got them to the final far more than the draw,. The stats prove that convincingly. I for one am just glad that to expansive game is winning over the Bulls & Brumbies type... Ecstatitic is more accurate. I think the Boks coach will lean towards it faster now because of the Lions efficacy and that bodes well for Southern hemisphere rugby overall. Regarding the SA coach not being Ackerman...Well, the current was the best over the previous 5yrs, so puts the racial argument to rest hopefully.
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Simon Cron will go back home to NZ where the rugby's at, and he is from a legendary coaching Family as Mike his Father is still with the All Blacks!, ~ I'd imagine that home is where the heart is, so he'll go back!
RubberLegs
Guest
I agree. Congratulations to the "Hurricanes pump Lions" headline is BS. A miracle catch by Jane for try one and a second try from a lost own-throw line-out. I think the Lions made more line breaks/ tackle busts. Elton kicked poorly. It was a great game to watch and there was no shortage of effort, skill and commitment throughout. I expect plenty of Lions players in the Springboks this year. Thanking the opposition is the classic first cliche from the winning captain speech guide; I suppose he was in pain. The very athletic Barrett landed on his feet when Whitely took him out but not because of anything Whitely did.