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Chiefs battle back to stay perfect, Hurricanes beat improved Reds
By Peter Thompson
Chiefs remain unbeaten in Super Rugby this season after coming from behind to defeat the Bulls 28-12 and the Hurricanes piled more misery on the Reds with a 34-15 away victory on Saturday.
The Bulls threatened to consign the Australasian Group leaders to a first loss of the campaign when they went it at half-time 9-3 up following three Handre Pollard penalties, with Aaron Cruden scoring the Chiefs' only points from the tee.
But wing Shaun Stevenson scored the opening try 12 minutes after the break, racing to pick up his own grubber kick and dotting down for a score which Cruden converted, before adding a penalty.
Pollard responded with a fourth penalty to reduce Chiefs' lead to 13-12 with just under 20 minutes remaining, but Cruden slotted a penalty of his own prior to Damian McKenzie and Atu Moli going over in the final 10 minutes to give Dave Rennie's men breathing space.
Hurricanes made it four wins out of five, but they were also made to work by an improved Reds side at Suncorp Stadium.
Reds were in danger of being blown away when Julian Savea crashed over and captain TJ Perenara added another soon after, with Jordie Barrett converting both scores to put Hurricanes 14-0 up midway through the first half.
Burglary in process at Suncorp Stadium @Tj_Perenara with the 80m intercept try. 14-0 after 20min
Beauden Barrett had a try ruled out when Ngani Laumape was shown a yellow card for a late tackle and Reds came roaring back, as Scott Higginbotham superbly laid a try on for Chris Kuridrani and scored one of his own after coming up with another clever offload.
Reds were only 14-12 down at the interval, but Vince Aso finished early in the second half following a great run from Ardie Savea before brilliant brothers Jordie and Beauden Barrett added further tries to put the Canes out of sight.
There was also a victory for Blues, who secured a 24-15 success over Western Force.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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