Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes hold off Brumbies in frantic clash

Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes on attack against the Brumbies. Photo / Getty

Hurricanes 32

Brumbies 27

The Hurricanes have made a habit of inducing fast-paced and frantic encounters regardless of opponent, and that didn’t change in their 32-27 win over the Brumbies in Wellington on Friday night.

The Hurricanes caused many of their own problems as their desire to play fast and make things happen led to plenty of handling errors and turnovers. The Brumbies often chose not to commit players to the breakdown to set a solid defensive line to test the patience of the Hurricanes attack, a tactic they deployed at both ends of the field.

While the Hurricanes looked to hold onto possession and keep the ball in play, the Brumbies were happy to kick for territory and back their defence to be able to slow the hosts down.

When they got their opportunity on the counter-attack, the Brumbies didn’t waste it. Their two first half tries – both to lock Nick Frost – came from the back of poor execution from the Hurricanes.

The first saw some individual brilliance from wing Corey Toole, who backed his speed to go on a long run after easily beating some forwards on the outside, before linking up on his inside. The second was a 75m solo effort from Frost, who got in the way of an attempted Aidan Morgan grubber, got the bounce and outran Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard to score.

But while the Hurricanes had their issues, when things clicked they were able to capitalise.

An eye-catching performance from hooker Asafo Aumua provided the platform of the attack to strike several times. From a set play at the lineout leading to an Ardie Savea try, to some strong carries up the middle, Aumua impressed in an 80-minute performance.

The same can be said for Isaia Walker-Leawere, who might have had to take on a little more responsibility than expected when his fellow locks James Blackwell and Caleb Delany were both forced off with head injuries in the first half, with loose forward Devan Flanders providing a makeshift lock option.

Leading 17-14 at the break, the Hurricanes continued to be the team asking questions, and ultimately cracked through the strong Brumbies defence through Roigard, who sold a dummy from close range before burrowing over the line.

Jordie Barrett was able to push the scoreline out through a penalty after the Brumbies struck through Rory Scott, before Morgan crossed the line late to all but wrap up the result.

The Brumbies continued to fight though and when Toole crossed with three minutes remaining it looked like they had a chance, but it wasn’t to be for the visitors, with the hosts claiming a five-point win.

Hurricanes 32 (Devan Flanders, Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan tries; Jordie Barrett 3 cons, 2 pens)

Brumbies 27 (Nick Frost 2, Rory Scott, Corey Toole tries; Noah Lolesio 2 cons, Ryan Lonergan pen)

HT: 17-14