1
Second-half rally see the Hurricanes edge past the Crusaders
By AAP
The Hurricanes have rallied in the second half to beat the Christchurch-based Crusaders 27-26 as both teams count down to Super Rugby Pacific finals appearances. The match in Wellington had no significance for the play-offs with the Crusaders already sealing second place and the Hurricanes safe in fifth.
In the first week of the finals, the Hurricanes will travel to Canberra to play the Brumbies while the Crusaders had yet to learn who their quarter-final opponents will be.
The Crusaders dominated the first half against the Hurricanes, scoring tries through Leicester Fainga'anuku – his 11th of the season – hooker Codie Taylor and centre Braydon Ennor.
After scoring just before half-time, the Hurricanes trailed 19-8 at the break. The match turned on its head in the second half which the Hurricanes played mostly in the Crusaders half.
Tries to scrum-half Cam Roigard, full-back Josh Moorby and back-rower Brayden Iose carried the Hurricanes to a 27-19 lead before the Crusaders finished with a try to Chay Fihaki after the full-time siren.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Sharks | 2024/25 URC
3
Fissler Confidential: Leicester Tigers set sights on Orlando Bailey
4
Wales given hands off message on rising star Kane James
5
Latest Comments
It could just be they got their international shot, and developed when they did, sure.
But Brad shields was soft as butter before he left, that’s why he was never going to get more than a few injury replacement caps for the ABs.
Much, much better player for his time up north.
Go to commentsI think Leinster had a plan to win both matches.
The defensive pressure was impressive and it made things hard for sharks with the greasy ball. That’s not an academy team though, a lot of those guys have two SA tours under their belt and a load of Leinster caps. There were a few new caps but so few as to not effect the system. Gunne was a first start but he has had a good few appearances and is a talent in play and attitide.
Sharks reaction to some early errors seemed to shout “Here we go again”.
As good as Leinster played and as hard as they made it, I assumed that Sharks would have the quality to find a way. Leinster slowed the rucks just enough to cause Sharks some issues and overruns etc.
The great Eben Etzebeth was missing and he is clearly great in motivating and driving a team as well as in play. Some thing more than Etzebeth missing. The Leinster players not playing today will be cheering and sucking energy from that performance as much as if they were there. That’s the spirit in the club. Anyone can see how bonded and loyal Snyman, Barrett and Slimani are in a small period of time. I think Leinster have a special setup up there, but Sharks are definately below average in belief, confidence and spirit based on Saturday.
Obviously a straight forward kick for a draw was available at the end but I don’t think that would have been acceptable and Sharks must go for the win at home.
Note: Zebo said in coverage that if Erasmus has the reigns with Sharks they would be no1 in URC and Champions Cup ‘By a distance’. I don’t agree with that ofcourse but in between sucking up to Erasmus he is clearly pinpointing what he believes is a coaching issue.
Go to comments