It was yet another exhilarating week of rugby- as the Hurricanes took on the Chiefs and the Crusaders playing the Highlanders- if they win this, they win the competition. Read my reviews to find out what happened.
Hurricanes vs Chiefs
It was set to be another blockbusting clash in Wellington as the in-form Hurricanes hosted the still winless Chiefs. Both sides started well, but the ‘Canes momentum secured them the first try- as centre Peter Umaga-Jensen crashed over in the 7th minute, assisted by TJ Perenara. 7-0
Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie scored a penalty but there was more sustained pressure from the home side, and Umaga-Jensen scored again in the corner after a great offload inside from Wes Goosen. 12-3 after half an hour.
The score was the same at half time but after the break the Chiefs got the first score, with wing Sean Wainui sprinting into the corner after a long pass from Kaleb Trask- 12-10.
The ‘Canes responded quickly though, as hooker Dane Coles steamed over after great breaks from Vince Aso and Perenara. McKenzie hit back with another penalty for the away side shortly after- so the scores stood at 17-13 after 50 minutes
Further quality attacking play by the home team saw fly-half Jackson Garden-Bachop cross kick to Kobus van Wyk on the wing- who darted over and touched down for the Hurricanes’ fourth try. 24-13.
The Chiefs showed fight as replacement Mitch Karpik scored off an excellent driving maul but the home side finished them off with a try from Billy Proctor, assisted by replacement 9 Jamie Booth. FT Hurricanes 31- 18 Chiefs
The Chiefs showed some fight in the game but were ultimately dominated by the Hurricanes who scored five tries and won with a bonus point. This result means the Chiefs finish their tournament winless, whilst the Canes improve their points standing to close the gap at the top of the table.
