Rugby: Nonu sees red as points go south

Aaron Cruden. Photo / Getty Images

Highlanders 14
Hurricanes 9

The Hurricanes lost their way, and Ma'a Nonu to the judiciary, as the Highlanders sneered at predictions they would be roadkill in the revamped Super 15 series.

This was a victory for perseverance, commitment and grit, commodities which underpinned the playing career of new coach Jamie Joseph and which the former All Black hardman has instilled in hefty doses in his new side.

While the result might have extended closing time in the bars round the Octagon in Dunedin, the inquiries will be continuing in the capital about the shabby start from their side at the CakeTin.

There will be another sometime next week when Nonu fronts a judiciary after he was yellow carded for two separate offences and sent off after 50 minutes for the cumulative illegalities.

Ten minutes from the close the Highlanders tempted fate when they lost replacement Brayden Mitchell to the bin for a careless foul.

Somehow the visitors held on for a tenacious victory in the new derby-style tournament.

They made it hard for themselves though with debut five-eighths Lima Sopoaga missing several handy penalties until he was replaced by Robbie Robinson, who nailed a quality kick from 45m in his only attempt.

The only try went to Sopoaga who benefited from Jimmy Cowan's break off the end of a lineout and deft pass which gave him an unimpeded run to the line.

* The NSW Waratahs thrashed the Melbourne Rebels 43-0 in their Super 15 clash in Melbourne last night.

Kurtley Beale and Drew Mitchell scored two tries apiece of the seven the visitors notched up.