Rugby: Hurricanes show their edge

NZ Herald·

6 Apr, 2012 05:30 PM3 mins to read

JP Pietersen of the Sharks is tackled by TJ Perenara (L) and Cory Jane of the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes proved to be good learners. For the second game in succession, they danced out to a tasty lead against a South African side, but this time they hung on.

Last round, the Hurricanes held a massive 21-point margin against the Cheetahs before the visitors' gallantry and adventure allowed them to run down their hosts.

This time, the Canes were 22 points ahead of the Sharks halfway through their clash in New Plymouth. The Canes were not dominant in many of the match stats, but when they made their occasional raids they proved deadly finishers.

Form fullback Andre Taylor started the onslaught as he continued the compelling form he has shown throughout the Super 15 in his new fullback role. His first touch drew results, beating three defenders with his power and body swerve to begin a furious 40 metre burst to the line.

The second try was not so clear cut, but referee Glen Jackson was sure he had seen flanker Jack Lam ground the ball.

Several Beauden Barrett conversions and penalties boosted the margin against a solitary Frederick Michalak penalty, before the Hurricanes delivered a further telling wound on the tick of halftime.

Again it was Taylor coming into the line, drawing defenders and flicking the ball on to Barrett whose fast touch put Julian Savea into space for the young wing to scorch away.

It was a golden end to a half which was interrupted by a wild melee when Hurricanes flanker Karl Lowe and Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis swapped pugilistic ideas. That single combat escalated into wider pockets of violence and, after taking advice from his assistants, referee Glen Jackson waved his white card at the whole incident. The citing commissioner is probably still only halfway through reviewing the footage today.

The Sharks came out of the sheds best after the break and quickly slapped on 10 points to send a tremor or three through the Canes.

However Captain Reliable, Conrad Smith steadied his team with the bonus-point try before Tim Bateman added some topping with a chip-n-chase individual effort.

Once again the lead was 22 points, as the Canes headed into the last quarter looking for their fourth win of the season. This time they did not relent, they kept using the instincts which have brought a much more rounded edge to their play this season. Most of all they showed the attitude which coach Mark Hammett has been trying to instil in his unfancied side.

Young men such as Savea, TJ Perenara, Taylor and Dane Coles are making the headlines with blokes like Smith, Jason Eaton, Lam, Karl Lowe and Ben May delivering the foundation strengths in a team which is becoming a weekly - rather than an occasional - threat.