Rugby: Canes' brilliance disguises soft core

Dane Coles looked nothing like a hooker when he dummied and stepped his way down the blindside to set up Perenara for game's decisive try. Photo / File

From Dane Coles' stunning return to Wes Goosen and Jordie Barrett, highlight reels will tell you attacking firepower is keeping the Hurricanes' title defence alive.

With such gifted talents moments of brilliance are never far away, but second half stoicism appears a more telling factor in recent success.

Coach Chris Boyd was in no mood to dish out praise after his side eventually put away the Brumbies 35-16 on Friday night in Canberra to bank the franchise's first away playoff win and advance to Super Rugby's semifinals for the third straight season. For good reason, too.

The Hurricanes were sloppy, loose, ill-disciplined and inaccurate, particularly in the first half against committed but limited opposition in the context of this season.

Of most concern will be the way the Hurricanes tight-five again battled at the set-piece and breakdown - just as they did for large periods against the British and Irish Lions and Crusaders. Former Warrior turned union lock Sam Lousi is one possible exception as he seems to be growing in stature with every outing.

Once more, halfback TJ Perenara was forced to deal with poor ball presentation which, in turn, limits the time and space of those outside him. This is something that will warm the hearts of opposition to come, and perhaps create a perception the Hurricanes have a soft underbelly.

If the Brumbies pack can expose frailties here, imagine how confident the South Africans will be about doing likewise this week.

Coles' experience should help steady this area but he cannot be expected to do it alone. His performance off the pine in his first match back for more than four months after battling concussion was remarkable.

As we've come to take for granted, Coles looked nothing like a hooker when he dummied and stepped his way down the blindside to set up Perenara for game's decisive try. So much for rust. On this evidence, the captain will certainly lead his men out next week in Johannesburg or Wellington.

While slow starts are proving problematic for the Hurricanes, they can seek solace from their second half performances under Boyd and John Plumtree.

In six knockout matches since 2015, they have conceded just 17 second half points. The energy and impact offered off the bench from the likes of flanker Callum Gibbins and prop Chris Eves is proving instrumental in this regard.

Given the second half is when scoreboard pressure can consume teams, the Hurricanes' record here speaks volumes of their composure, organisation and will evoke optimism about their prospects.

Clearly, though, major improvements elsewhere are required.

With front-foot ball attacking threats in the form of Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ardie Savea, Barrett and Goosen will always trouble any opposition. But how long the Hurricanes can continue to defy their shaky platform remains the big unknown.