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Match Highlights: Laumape inspires Hurricanes win, Rebels down Highlanders
By Peter Thompson
Ngani Laumape scored a hat-trick in his home town as the Hurricanes thrashed the Brumbies 43-13, while the Rebels claimed their second Super Rugby win of the season against the Highlanders on Friday.
New Zealand centre Laumape was the star of the show in Palmerston North, crossing twice in the second half to complete a treble after Dane Coles helped himself to a brace of first-half tries.
The Hurricanes were beaten 38-22 by the Crusaders last time out, but responded with a clinical display - consigning the Brumbies to a second defeat of the season.
Coles pounced on a loose ball and ran away for the opening try, also dotting down again late in the first half after Laumape's opening five-pointer.
A converted try from Folau Fainga'a got the Brumbies on the board before Coles' second score, but Beauden Barrett - making his first appearance of the year - increased the Hurricanes' lead early in the second half with a penalty.
Laumape showed great power and pace as he went over twice in the space of seven minutes to complete his hat-trick, and Barrett took his tally from the tee to 11 points before both sides recorded late scores through Tom Wright and James Blackwell.
The Rebels made it two wins out of two with a hard-fought 24-19 success over the Highlanders at AAMI Park.
Tom English scored a first-half double and there were also tries for Jack Maddocks and Bill Meakes as David Wessels' side secured a first win over the Dunedin-based franchise since 2013.
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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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