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Hurricanes hammer Highlanders, Speight stars in derby win
By Peter Thompson
Ngani Laumape and Vince Aso scored two tries apiece as Hurricanes hammered Highlanders 41-15 in Super Rugby, while Henry Speight also claimed a double in Brumbies' 28-12 derby win at Waratahs.
Hurricanes suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Chiefs last week, but the champions responded with a seven-try demolition job in a repeat of the 2015 final at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Ardie Savea barged over for the opening try when Highlanders were unable to stop a maul, but Matt Faddes took an inside pass from Aaron Smith to go over and put Tony Brown's men in front, only for Laumape's first score to give the Canes a 10-8 lead at the break.
Jordie Barrett laid on a try for Matt Proctor just after the interval and Laumape added his second following an Elliot Dixon five-pointer with TJ Perenara in the bin.
There was no stopping Hurricanes, who ran away with it as Julian Savea went over before Aso helped himself to a brace in a resounding bonus-point success, leaving Highlanders with just one win to their name from four matches.
Brumbies made it two wins out of two after a commanding second half consigned Waratahs, still missing Bernard Foley due to concussion, to defeat at Allianz Stadium, securing victory in the inaugural Dan Vickerman Cup.
Australia wing Speight scored a superb solo try after the rivals were locked at 7-7 at the break and picked a hole to add another, with Tevita Kuridrani and Robbie Abel also scoring.
FULLTIME | The Brumbies take their third straight win against the @NSWWaratahs, defeating them 28-12 at Allianz Stadium.
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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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