Could 2015 finally be the year of the Hurricanes?
The Wellington Super Rugby franchise showed their mettle, this weekend, by seeing off eight-time champions, Canterbury Crusaders, at the Cake Tin.
Beauden Barrett laced in another stunning try and played his part in a wonderful team move that featured four offloads, one skip pass and set up a try for the stunningly named Blade Thompson. [Go to 2:50 in the ‘Shortball’ clip below].
Colin Slade and Dan Carter both scored tries for Crusaders, in their loss, meaning Aaron Cruden may not be missed too much by the All Blacks if he fails to recover from his knee injury in time for the World Cup.
Injury blow for Ulster new boy
Charles Piutau will not arrive at Ulster Rugby until July 2016 but there must have been worried faces in the northern province when the Auckland Blues back went down with a leg injury in his side’s 41-24 win over Western Force.
Blues confirmed, today, that both Piutau and fellow All Black, and team captain, Jerome Kaino were out for the rest of the season.
10-point swing
Waikato Chiefs were beaten 16-15 by Melbourne Rebels at the weekend and a moment’s indiscretion from James Lowe, who we suggested Leinster should sign, cost his side.
Lowe flicked a knee during a ruck but it was more a show of frustration than anything serious. Still, the video official believed intent was there. It cost the Chiefs a try and gave Rebels a shot at the sticks, which they took.
As it was Lowe’s third yellow of the reason, he was given a warning about ill discipline but escaped a further ban.
