Chiefs vow they'll end their season with a flourish

The Chiefs are determined that even if their semifinal ambitions are gone for another year, they aren't mentally packing their bags just yet.

Two matches remain, and coach Ian Foster is adamant his players' heads will be up for a strong finish, hosting the table-topping Waratahs this Saturday night, then ending at Eden Park against the Blues.

"We've got to get over the disappointment," he said yesterday. "It will be a test of character and team spirit for the squad. We've still got plenty to play for and have to make sure we keep up our standards."

The Chiefs have clung on to the pacesetters' bootlaces for the last month like a dog refusing to part with a well-chewed bone.

But the Hurricanes deserved the win because they took their chances.

The Chiefs didn't, getting to the Hurricanes' line three times but being unable to force the ball.

By contrast, hooker Andrew Hore's hat-trick - the first by a No 2 in Super rugby and in his 50th game - were testimony to his team's power round the fringes close to the Chiefs' line.

The bare match statistics pointed to a far closer final scoreline and for much of the match it was a tough, unyielding contest, all rugged, combative defence, with few frills out wide.

Tricky winds and a wet ground meant it was never going to be a night for the fancy dans and the Chiefs needed to get the likes of Sitiveni Sivivatu and Sosene Anesi involved to stretch the Hurricanes.

In truth, much of the rugby by both teams was ordinary. There was too much aimless kicking, precious possession was gifted away, and ball retention was average.

The Chiefs scrummaged impressively, Bernie Upton and Sean Hohneck ensured a strong lineout and Marty Holah led a rugged defensive line. But the Hurricanes aren't slouches, were always alert to breakout chances and, after withstanding a strong Chiefs third quarter, eased clear. Jason Eaton had a whale of a game, continuing his advancement since his All Black callup late last year. One notable interception most likely prevented a Chiefs try just before halftime.

The Hurricanes' loose forward trio of Rodney So'oialo, Jerry Collins and Chris Masoe were formidable. Masoe did concede penalties and was lucky to escape with no punishment for a nasty cheap shot to hooker Tom Willis' head in the second minute, which put the Chiefs man out of the game.

The Hurricanes were in front from the time of Hore's first try, rather against the run of play, after 17 minutes. Tana Umaga, on one of his less memorable nights, dropped a ball with a head of steam up near the Chiefs' line and Ma'a Nonu was stopped by a brilliant Holah tackle as he launched himself at the line.

Still, David Holwell, a good man for an awkward night, banged penalties over and the Hurricanes were comfortable at 16-3 up, having faced the wind, at the interval.

Twice the Chiefs got to the Hurricanes' line in the first 15 minutes after the restart but could not complete the job before Sam Tuitupou sliced through the Hurricanes defence on an angled run to the line.

Hore's second try shortly after, directly attributable to the Chiefs twice failing to clear their line, effectively sealed it, especially when Aleki Lutui was held up on the Hurricanes' line with nine minutes to go.

Hore's third, poking an arm out from underneath a ruck and just reaching the line, and Shannon Paku's last-minute effort from an Umaga grubber kick, bumped the margin out.

Of the high interest personal match-ups, Mils Muliaina shaded Nonu at centre before reverting to fullback in the second half; there was little between Byron Kelleher and Piri Weepu at halfback, ditto Eaton and Upton, although Eaton showed up more round the park; while Holah and Masoe had an abrasive battle in which both could claim to have had the wood on the other at various moments.