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New Hurricanes pivot Harry Godfrey turning into a gem
By Ben Smith
Thrown into the deep end due to an injury crisis, new Hurricanes starting first-five Harry Godfrey is paying dividends after producing the match-winning try against the Drua in Napier.
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The Hawkes Bay fullback had the chance to play in front of his home province crowd with the Hurricanes first home game taken to Napier.
Forming a new combination with All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard, the age grade fullback has come into his own as a No.10 with so many players sidelined.
Last year’s starter Brett Cameron will miss the entire season with a knee injury, while star fullback Ruben Love is on the recovery path from his own ankle surgery. New recruit Lucas Cashmore suffered a knee injury in pre-season leaving Godfrey as the top option with journeyman Riley Hohepa offering cover.
The unliked pair of 10s combined in the 75th minute to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with Godfrey crossing in the corner after the Hohepa break.
Harry Godfrey with the match-winner 🙌
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Earlier, a piece of Godfrey magic was required to spark a comeback with the Hurricanes down 22-12 on the stroke of half-time.
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The No.10 cut back up the middle to gash the Drua for 50 metres, dragged down just a metre short of the try line. Ex-sevens winger Fehi Fineanganofo scored on the next phase from a quick pick-and-go from the base of the ruck.
Godfrey played a steady hand as Roigard was typically brilliant as the anchor of the Hurricanes attack, producing two try assists with snipes around the base, the first of which was thirty seconds into the game.
His third assist was a fairly basic pass to centre Bailyn Sullivan to win his one-on-one match up close to the line, while the No.9 added a try of his own from close to the line.
After Godfrey’s 75th minute try took the lead back in the dying stages, his clutch kick from the sideline pushed the lead to four points to force the Drua to chase a try for the win.
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Speaking with Sky Sport after the game, Godfrey said there were ‘mixed emotions’ returning to Bay with such a big local turnout on a cracking day but needing to snatch the game at the death.
“I’m enjoying 10 at the moment, first receiver with a bit more touches on the ball,” he said.
“I’m enjoying driving the boys around as well. We are blessed with a very good backline, anyone from 9 to 15 can jump in behind the pack.
“We are our own worst enemies at times. Obviously dropping the ball quite a bit, loose balls, and you can’t do that against the Drua.
“Like you see, they pounce on it and put us under the pump.”
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