Rugby: Grafting pack deliver goods

Nehe Milner-Skudder of the Hurricanes charges forward during the round 15 Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Highlanders at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

Those Hurricanes supporters wondering whether their team have the complete game to go deep into this competition, if not win it, can rest assured. Their players don't have to rely solely on their counter-attacking genius.

Their forwards were the heroes in their 29-5 victory at Eden Park last night, the first time the Blues have lost there since the last game of last season against the Chiefs.

Their big men were helped by the injuries which have cut a swathe through John Kirwan's team. There was no Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Luke Braid, Tony Woodcock, Josh Bekhuis or Patrick Tuipulotu due to an assortment of injuries, and Charlie Faumuina was on All Blacks rest.

The Hurricanes were also disrupted by injury — particularly those to lock James Broadhurst and wing Cory Jane which forced the latter's late withdrawal and a re-shuffle of their backline. But it was up front where the Blues looked vulnerable and so it proved. In the end this was a comprehensive defeat.

They have a bye next weekend, but their last two opponents, the Highlanders and Crusaders, will be scenting blood.

It was late in the first half when they finally succumbed to the pressure from the black-and-yellow wave, with prop Chris Eves going over from close range and halfback TJ Perenara from the back of a ruck. The free-flowing moves were confined to the first minute when Victor Vito went close but his flicked pass was astray and the Blues went on a breakout thanks to his impressive counterpart Akira Ioane.

Their first-half performance effectively shut out the Blues and Kirwan's men made too many handling mistakes to put the Hurricanes under sustained stress. Poor Lolagi Visinia attracted Julian Savea like iron filings to a magnet and, apart from Matt Vaega's try, there was no way through.

It's good news for Chris Boyd's team as the weather closes in and they head towards the business end of the competition, when improved defences and the need for risk-free rugby combine to make matches more armwrestle than exhibition.

The Hurricanes had grafters in Jeremy Thrush, Mark Abbott and Blade Thomson, with Dan Coles, another try scorer, Vito and Ardie Savea capable of supplying the X-factor.

It was a statement-type performance from the visitors' pack in the swirling drizzle which had followed heavy rain. It was exactly what was required and that's why the many Hurricanes fans huddled against the cold and wet were smiling so much as they left.

Top of the table and with no apparent weaknesses, they can expect a few more highlights yet.