Defending champions ACT Brumbies and the NSW Waratahs broke out of the blocks early in the opening round of the Super 12 rugby matches this weekend to post bonus point wins.
The Brumbies downed the Crusaders 32-21 in Canberra last night in a repeat of last year's final, with, Mat Rogers, apart from his poor kicking, producing a magical performance to lead the Waratahs to a 25-7 thumping over the Chiefs in Sydney on Friday.
The Hurricanes reversed the losing trend for New Zealand sides across the Tasman by beating the Queensland Reds 24-10 in Brisbane Saturday.
The All Blacks loose-forward trio of Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo and Ben Herring, plus skipper Tana Umaga were instrumental in Hurricanes' first opening round win since 2000.
The Blues joined the Hurricanes as first round winners spoiling Anton Oliver's 100th appearance for the Highlanders winning 30-14 in Dunedin, while in South Africa the Stormers downed the Sharks 26-12 and the Cats posted an upset 23-17 win over the Bulls.
The Brumbies overcame the loss of captain Stirling Mortlock (knee injury) and winger Clyde Rathbone (head) to outscore the Crusaders by four tries to three after the Crusaders broke to an early 10-3 lead through tries by All Blacks veteran Andrew Mehrtens and Casey Laulala.
But the Brumbies seized control with two tries from Scott Fava and one each by Radike Samo and Gene Fairbanks to secure a bonus point before Justin Marshall notched a late consolation touchdown for the visitors.
Umaga helped prevent a first-round sweep by the three Australian sides in an inspiring display against the Reds on a hot and humid night.
Umaga set up the decisive try for fellow centre Ma'a Nonu after his team's brutal defence held firm against waves of attacks.
The Hurricanes' physical strength at the breakdowns and an effective defensive pattern paved the for win in a physical match.
Reds lock Rudi Vedelago suffered broken teeth, winger Peter Hynes strained his ankle and halfback Josh Valentine played through the pain of an ongoing rib injury.
Wallabies fullback Rogers played a starring role in the Waratahs win, scoring a try and having a hand in three others to help the hosts to maximum points.
The Chiefs were found wanting in their lineout which failed to fire while their backline also struggled to penetrate the Waratahs defence.
Down 17-0 at halftime the Chiefs never looked like rallying but winger Sosene Anesi scored a 76th minute consolation try.
In Friday's opening match the Blues opened the 10th Super 12 rugby season by retaining the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy at Carisbrook.
Oliver's 100th Super 12 game was soured but it was no limp display from the Highlanders, who tackled bravely.
They more than matched the Blues in the tight, operated a decent scrum and in rookie lock James Ryan and second five-eighth Seilala Mapusua, had two of the best players on the field.
The Blues scored three tries through hooker Keven Mealamu, halfback David Gibson and captain and No 8 Xavier Rush, and second five-eighth Luke McAlister kicked three penalties and three conversions.
Gibson enabled the Blues to make a winning start with a powerful game behind the pack, however, his pacy backline that included Carlos Spencer, McAlister, Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina seldom showed their potential.
The Stormers were left counting the cost of their win over South African rivals the Sharks in Cape Town.
Springbok wings Breyton Paulse and Jean de Villiers picked up three tries between them but Schalk Burger, the International Rugby Board player of the year, hurt his left leg, threatening his participation in next week's tsunami world charity match in London.
The Cats, inspired by 18 points from first five-eighth Andre Pretorius, beat the Bulls 23-17 in another South African derby in Johannesburg to finish off the opening round of matches.? NZPA
Aussie sides set the early Super 12 pace
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.