'Canes grab win at Eden Park

Mon 25th May

The Hurricanes officially qualified for the Investec Super Rugby playoffs with three matches to spare after beating the Blues 29-5 at Eden Park.

In winning with a four-try bonus point, the Hurricanes went to 57 points on the points table, 13 points clear of second placed New Zealand team, the Chiefs.

Their final three matches are against the Crusaders in Nelson next Friday night, the Highlanders in Napier and the Chiefs in New Plymouth on consecutive Saturdays.

In driving rain, the Hurricanes played with patience and heart throughout most of the first half, pulling clear with two late tries to take a 17-0 lead into halftime.

They added two more tries in the second half to shut the Blues out for the second time this season.

The win was also achieved after coaches Chris Boyd and John Plumtree were forced into making late changes to the starting XV following the withdrawal of right wing Cory Jane. Otere Black came in to first five-eighth for his first Super Rugby start, James Marshall moved to fullback and Nehe Milner-Skudder to right wing.

A strong forwards effort was well led by No. 8 Victor Vito, blindside flanker Blade Thomson, lock Mark Abbott and prop Chris Eves.

In atrocious conditions, the Hurricanes made a breezy start, almost scoring a try in the corner after a long opening sequence of play only for the Blues to break out into Hurricanes territory for the first time.

The Hurricanes struck first blow in the 11th penalty with a penalty to first five-eighth Black.

Both sides continued to create chances in the slippery conditions, the Hurricanes pack attacking the corner through a lineout drive, but this was thwarted by the Blues.

Their next clear chance went rewarded, however, with loosehead prop Eves driving over to score the game's first try after another penalty and drive in the corner.

Black added the conversion and the Hurricanes were rewarded for a hard-fought first 35 minutes with a 10-0 lead.

The Hurricanes poured on to attack once more, chasing up a Julian Savea kick and pushing the Blues defender into touch. The Hurricanes went wide, retained possession and swung the ball back the other way. Right wing Milner-Skudder went close to scoring but was cut down in a desperate tackle.

Halfback TJ Perenara was on hand at the next ruck and he dived over to score his eighth try of the season. Black converted and the Hurricanes went into halftime with a 17-0 lead.

Concerted attack turned to committed defence for the Hurricanes early in the second half, withstanding a strong period of Blues phase play.

They regained control, and from another penalty and lineout in the corner, hooker Dane Coles rumbled through to score their third try. Black added the conversion to put them ahead 24-0.

With steady rain falling again, the Blues plugged away and replacement back Matt Vaega crashed over out wide to score for the home team.

Hurricanes centre Rey Lee-Lo offloaded to Milner-Skudder who dived through to score a spectacular try in the corner to wrap the game up in emphatic fashion.

Scores:

Hurricanes 29 (Chris Eves, TJ Perenara, Dane Coles, Nehe Milner-Skudder tries, Otere Black pen, con 3) beat the Blues 5 (Matt Vaega try). HT: 17-0

The scoring action (by minute):

11th: Otere Black penalty. Hurricanes 3-0

35th: Chris Eves try. Hurricanes 8-0

36th: Otere Black conversion. Hurricanes 10-0

39th: TJ Perenara try. Hurricanes 15-0

40th: Otere Black conversion. Hurricanes 17-0

55th: Dane Coles try. Hurricanes 22-0

56th: Otere Black conversion. Hurricanes 24-0

63rd: Matt Veaga try. Hurricanes 24-5

67th: Nehe Milner-Skudder try. Hurricanes 29-5

The Hurricanes team was:

1.Chris Eves Replaced Tolu Fahamokioa
2.Dane Coles Replaced by Motu Matu'u, 68th minute
3.Jeffery Toomaga-Allen Replaced by Ben May, 62nd minute
4.Jeremy Thrush (c)
5.Mark Abbott Replaced by Vaea Fifita, 74th minute
6.Blade Thomson
7.Ardie Savea Replaced by Callum Gibbins, 66th minute
8.Victor Vito Replaced by Brad Shields, 66th minute
9.TJ Perenara Replaced by Chris Smylie, 68th minute
10.Otere Black
11.Julian Savea
12.Ma'a Nonu Replaced by Willis Halaholo. 70th minute
13.Rey Lee-Lo
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
15.James Marshall