Share

Hurricanes outplay Blues in Auckland

Auckland - The Hurricanes cemented their place atop the New Zealand conference in Super Rugby and likely gained home advantage in impending playoffs with a 29-5 win Saturday over the Blues.

The Hurricanes' 12th win in 13 matches carried them 13 points clear of the Hamilton-based Chiefs in New Zealand and gave them the same emphatic margin atop the overall championships table with three matches left in the regular season.

Heavily depleted by injuries, the Hurricanes held a slender 3-0 lead until the 35th minute before tries by prop Chris Eves - his first in Super Rugby - and scrumhalf T.J. Perenara made it 17-0 at half-time.

Second half tries to hooker Dane Coles and wing Nehe Milner-Skudder swelled the Hurricanes' lead while the Blues scored through replacement Matt Vaega.

Scorers

Blues - Try: Matt Vaega

Hurricanes - Try: Chris Eves, TJ Perenara. Dane Coles, Nehe Milner-Skudder. Conversions: Otere Black (3). Penalty: Black

Referee: Nick Briant (NZL)


Teams:

Blues

15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Ben Lam, 13 Francis Saili, 12 George Moala, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Brendon O'Connor, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley

Substitutes: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Angus Ta’avao, 18 Nic Mayhew, 19 Will Lloyd/Hayden Triggs, 20 Joe Edwards, 21 Jimmy Cowan, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Matt Vaega

Hurricanes

15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 James Marshall, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Blade Thomson, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush (captain ), 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Chris Eves

Subs: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Ben May, 18 Tolu Fahamokioa, 19 Mark Abbott/Callum Gibbins, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Otere Black, 23 Willis Halaholo


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1223 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1419 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2154 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE