Barrett brothers help Hurricanes extend Stormers' losing run

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.

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