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Hurricanes end Crusaders' unbeaten run to set up Brumbies clash, Sunwolves shame Blues
By Peter Thompson
Lose Beauden? That's no problem for the Hurricanes, Jordie did the job for them.
The younger Barrett brother had an influential role as Hurricanes shattered Crusaders' unbeaten Super Rugby record with a 31-22 win in Wellington to set up a quarter-final against Brumbies after the Sunwolves claimed an historic victory over the Blues.
The defending champions suffered pre match blow when Beauden Barrett who ruled out due to illness, but Jordie reduced a 12-0 deficit with a first-half try which he converted.
The Crusaders had won all 14 of their previous matches before making the trip to Westpac Stadium, but they came unstuck in the final round of the regular season, giving the Lions the chance to finish top of the table if they beat the Sharks later on Saturday.
It had all started so well for the Christchurch-based franchise as they opened up their early lead after 14 minutes, courtesy of a Seta Tamanivalu double.
The Hurricanes went ahead five minutes after the break when Julian Savea crossed after knocking an Otere Black cross kick back to himself, but Richie Mo'unga's boot put the Crusaders back in front. Israel Dagg then evaded Barrett for a try that Mo'unga converted to make it 22-14 midway through the second half.
The Canes were not finished yet, though, Wes Goosen and Vaea Fifita dotted down in the space of seven minutes, and Barrett took his tally for the night to 14 from the tee. This ensured Chris Boyd's men will travel to Canberra for a last-eight encounter next week.
Tim Lafaele scored a hat-trick on a memorable night for the Sunwolves, who stunned the Blues with an eight-try 48-21 triumph in Tokyo.
Captain Willie Britz led by example for the Japanese side as they won a first Super Rugby encounter against opponents from New Zealand.
The Chiefs will travel for a quarter-final against Stormers on the back of a 28-10 win over the Brumbies. Damian McKenzie scored a try as well as slotting over three penalties and two conversions.
Long-serving Western Force captain Matt Hodgson ended his career on a high note, kicking a penalty on the last play of the game after also claiming one of five tries in a 40-11 rout of the Waratahs on a wet evening in Perth.
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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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