The Hurricanes took a home-field win over a depleted Highlanders side 41-15 on Saturday afternoon.
The Highlanders competed very well in the first half and even hit the lead. The second half also promised a strong competitive contest with the scores at 17-15 at one stage.
The Hurricanes though were relentless and never took their foot off the pedal. Their class, as a result, proved too much for the Highlanders to handle.
Vince Aso and Ngani Laumape, in particular, devastating with the footy in hand, the Hurricanes were just too clinical.
Ther Highlanders, despite competing well, lacked the class to make a game of this in the second half.
At full strength, the Highlanders should prove more formidable opposition.
Final score
Hurricanes 41
Highlanders 15
Old Bugger
Guest
When they play another UN ZUD team, they are but not, when they play your teams......that's when they hand out, the bashings so, was that enough of a break, for you???
Paul
Guest
If an UN ZUD team gets bashed they are depleted.. Gimme a break..
Old Bugger
Guest
Yeah I know TM but, I can't feel any empathy, for them atm. I spent a few seasons past, going through injury lists with the Chiefs, just like the HLs are today which begged the question "Why my team.....??" I might feel for them if, they go through another 2-3 seasons, suffering a similar injury list but, that's not what supporting, is all about. Sh_t happens and its up to the coaching box, to find replacements, so everyone moves on. As a supporter, you hope to hell that your side, doesn't become infected by injuries but, its the nature of the game. And when it happens, then you just have to grin and bear it cos you get tired of repeating yourself over and over...."we got too many injured players etc etc". You just try to make the best of it all and say, "there's always next year".
taylorman
Roar Guru
With that injury toll, especially Lima, and at home, that's the kind of result I expected. Highlanders are struggling more than the Blues, despite beating them.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes Ben, It's getting a bit annoying how the Canes just keep churning out stunning midfielders with ease. They lose Leiua then get Laumape..and Proctor.how fair is that??
Old Bugger
Guest
Bloody lucky win.....nah, just kidding but, the sting in that tail, will certainly have Rennie and other coaches, sitting up even higher, than anticipated. A solid and explosive 2nd half.....congrats to you Digsy and all Canes supporters.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
A great game show-casing NZ's outstanding SKILLS and NOUS....attack and defence beyond any other Team on the planet....Landers were always going to be up against with the injury-list they had, but WOW did they really take it to the Canes....who ended up winning well but weren't given it on a plate.....now this just highlights the joke that is the conference system...NZ teams cannibalise themselves and the other non-NZ teams benefit....what a joke
Ben
Guest
How good was Laumape. Such a low centre of gravity coupled with real power and speed. Union is his game ahead of league for sure. Aso has been great on the wing. Was a winger at u20s. Still want to see him under the high ball. But for goal kicking both Barretts are champions. Best game so far for Jordy...195cm and a back! Highlanders cut to pieces by injuries but they dont quite seem to be the same unit as the last 2 years. Riccatelli for me a definite AB hooker for the future where our hooking stocks arent great. I know Shields has been spoken to by ABs management about being more aggressive and dominating ala Kaino. Hes close but still not quite seeing it. That rush dee by the canes really forces mistakes. Opposition will note that now... Procter a roughy AB selection at centre?? I like his defence and tough running. Can set up his outsides nicely. Has been there or there abouts for a couple seasons now. Will be in the mix come finals time.