A Ben Lam hat-trick has set up the Hurricanes for their eighth win of the Super Rugby season as they dispatched the Lions 28-19 in Wellington.
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The 26-year-old winger brought his season’s tally to 12, adding two second-half tries to his seventh-minute opener.
Lam’s first try gave the Hurricanes an up-tempo start to the game in blustery, swirling conditions at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Both teams were guilty of coughing up possession too easily, but it was the Hurricanes who made the most of their chances.
The late loss of Jordie Barrett to an ankle injury didn’t affect their running game, with Nehe Milner-Skudder slotting in at fullback in his second game after returning from shoulder surgery.
Ardie Savea finished Matt Proctor’s initial break after the Lions’ lineout – missing hooker Malcom Marx to injury – misfired on halfway in the 25th minute to gift the Hurricanes turnover ball.
The Lions hit back right on half-time, halfback Nic Groom burrowing over from close range to reduce the Hurricanes’ lead to 14-7 at the break.
But two Lam tries within the space of 10 minutes extended the Hurricanes’ lead to 28-7, with only flanker Marnus Schoeman’s 57th minute try keeping the Lions in touch.
Replacement winger Sylvian Mahuza stole a turnover try with four minutes remaining but the Lions – plagued by handling errors for much of the game – never really threatened.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Tight fit in the ABs squad for talented backs and wingers, but definitely putting a strong case forward to be included. Glad I don't have to pick the squad.
Harry Jones
Expert
Ben Lam. A tank with Lamborghini speed and the hands of an NBA point guard.
Ben
Guest
Canes seemed to be 1 step off arriving in time over the ball carrier at the breakdown...just seemed that fraction slow and hence the continual turnovers. Last 15 mins deteriorated badly. Lam must be part of that AB squad. Jules is looking great..getting back to his best and should also be in the squad. Our scrum really struggled at the end but Armstrong is a real rookie and i dont particularly rate Oreilly plus Eves had to pack tighthead where he hasnt trained. I really want to see Fifita at 6 with Fatialofa and Lousi locks and Shields 8. I feel Fifitas athleticism is wasted in the tight stuff all game. Ardie had a good one. In to the Blues supporters corporate box next Friday thanks to the wife....as she hosts me as a "customer". I think my Canes jersey intimidates them in there every year....
Frisky
Guest
Lam looks like the next new AB. What an amazing finisher!