Hurricanes' relentless attack sees them home

JOHANNESBURG - A determined Hurricanes beat the Cats 45-32 (halftime 21-10) in their Super 12 match on Saturday.

The New Zealanders scored six tries to earn a bonus point and have joined the ACT Brumbies and New South Wales Waratahs at the top of the Super 12 standings.

Ma'a Nonu, who shifted from centre to the left wing for this match, scored two first-half tries for the Hurricanes to lead 21-10 at the break.

Despite pressurising the Hurricanes scrum, the Cats could score only one try in the first half, an opportunistic effort by first five-eighths Andre Pretorius, after he intercepted a pass from young opposite number Jimmy Gopperth.

The Hurricanes attacked relentlessly with what little ball they had and found gaping holes at centre of the Cats defence.

Gopperth recovered from his early mistake to set up Nonu for his first try midway through the first half and the Hurricanes first five-eighths then leaped high to block a risky chip by Pretorius from his own 22 and regather to score.

Nonu's second try came when halfback Piri Weepu breezed past Cats centre Jorrie Muller.

After the break Nonu pounced on a turnover and allowed Rodney So'oialo to beat the hesitant defence down the left touchline (28-10).

The Cats restored some pride by crossing for three second-half tries, the last on the final hooter, by wing Ashwin Willemse, flank Wikus van Heerden and fullback Conrad Jantjes.

But the Hurricanes' tough defence and high-speed counter-attacks meant the Cats were always destined for a painful home defeat.

Replacement fullback Riki Flutey and wing Lome Fa'atau crossed for tries.

Gopperth finished the match with 20 points for the Hurricanes, via a try, six conversions and a penalty.

- REUTERS