Hurricanes win caps Umaga's ton

Tana Umaga in action against the Blues in his 100th Super 12 game. Picture / Fotopress

The Hurricanes broke a 10-year drought for their first Super 12 win over the Blues with a 22-10 victory in Auckland tonight.

They virtually sealed a semifinal place in the process.

It was a fitting celebration of Hurricanes captain Tana Umaga's 100th Super 12 match while the injury-ravaged Blues were left with only a faint chance of making the playoffs.

Two converted second half tries in two minutes to wing Lome Fa'atau and lock Ross Kennedy busted open an even contest as the Hurricanes raced to a 22-3 lead with 20 minutes remaining.

The much anticipated match between two semifinal contenders was far from the expected tryfest in the first half as they went to the break locked at 3-3, a penalty apiece.

The Blues dominated the first 20 minutes, well orchestrated by first five-eighth Tasesa Lavea who was delivered good front foot ball by the forwards.

But the hosts rued numerous handling errors and scrambling Hurricanes defence as they failed to capitalise of a 70 per cent territorial advantage in the first half.

One of the Hurricanes' best on attack and defence, flanker Ben Herring, gave them the lead four minutes after the break when he regathered a chip and chase and dived over in the corner.

Centre Conrad Smith had a hand in the next two tries; the first an 80m effort started and finished by Fa'atau then two minutes later a break from halfback Piri Weepu finished by Kennedy.

The Blues hammered away at the Hurricanes line but were forced back by brave defence until replacement Isa Nacewa scored their first try with 10 minutes left after good leadup work from wing Joe Rokocoko.

Umaga played a big role in the Hurricanes' second half defensive effort and was given a warm ovation from the 45,000 Eden Park crowd when he departed with five minutes left.

Injuries again crippled the Blues, with All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina departing with a shoulder problem before halftime and Lavea forced off with a leg injury soon after the break.

The Hurricanes strengthened their grip on third place behind the Waratahs and Crusaders, and will be assured of a semifinal spot if the Highlanders or Bulls lose tomorrow.

- NZPA