1
Barrett brothers help Hurricanes extend Stormers' losing run
By Nicholas McGee
Brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett starred for Hurricanes in a 41-22 triumph over an injury-hit Stormers side who suffered a fourth consecutive Super Rugby defeat.
Stormers won their first six games of the season, but have since lost to Lions and been hammered by Crusaders and Lions.
And, without the likes of JC Janse van Rensburg, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kurt Coleman through injury, Stormers saw a brave effort at Westpac Stadium come up short as they were beaten by the reigning champions.
Hurricanes, themselves missing captain Dane Coles and wing Nehe Milner-Skudder, led 22-16 at the break – an advantage that would have been greater had they not failed to convert three of four first-half tries.
Stormers drew level early in the second half, but, despite a late yellow card for Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields, the hosts pulled away in the closing stages.
After Robert du Preez opened the scoring for Stormers, Beauden Barrett's cross-field kick set up Cory Jane for the first try of the game, which was converted by Jordie Barrett, who then collected a TJ Perenara kick to touch down.
Mbongeni Mbonambi was sin-binned for Stormers, but, though Julian Savea went over for Hurricanes, the man advantage did not prove telling as Ramone Samuels responded for the visitors.
Beauden Barrett set up his younger sibling for his second five minutes before the interval, but two SP Marais penalties kept Stormers in touch.
What's better than one Barrett? @beaudenbarrett with the assist and Jordie with the finish Canes lead 22-10 #crosskickassasin
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) May 5, 2017
The boot of Marais then levelled matters after the interval, only for Ngani Laumape to re-establish Hurricanes' lead.
Shields was sin-binned with 11 minutes left to significantly bolster Stormers' hopes, but Hurricanes withstood the pressure on their line and made the game safe with a breakaway try from Laumape.
The Barrett brothers fittingly had the final say, Jordie converting after Beauden had added gloss to the scoreline in time added on.
Watch every game of Super Rugby streaming live on rugbypass.com, home of the best online rugby coverage including news, highlights, previews & reviews, live scores, and more!
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
Go to comments