The Hurricanes rallied to come from behind and beat the Chiefs 23-19 in a tense Super Rugby warm-up match played in extremely wet conditions at the Owen Delany Park on Friday.
The pouring rain would prove to have more of a say in the match than the silky skills of the Chiefs star-studded backline, and the gritty victory will be a boost for a Hurricanes teram that many are writing off before the season has even started.
More to follow...
The scorers:
For the Chiefs:
Try: Leonard
Con: Cruden
Pens: Cruden 4
For the Hurricanes:
Tries: Lam, Moran
Con: Barrett
Pens: Barrett 3
Teams:
Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Sam Cane, 5 Craig Clarke, 4 Mike Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: Marcel Cummings-Toone, Sona Taumalolo, Shane Cleaver, Brodie Retallick, Scott Waldrom, Ronald Raaymakers, Andrew Horrell, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Declan ODonnell, Jackson Willison, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Victor Vito (captain), 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 James Broadhurst, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements - from: Tristan Moran, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Michael Bent, Jason Eaton, Mike Coman, Scott Fuglistaller, Chris Eaton, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Jayden Hayward, Tim Bateman.
Referee: Chris/Garratt
Assistant referees: Garratt/Chris, Grant Stuart
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
