'Canes trump Chiefs in thriller
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The match between the New Zealand giants lived up to its reputation as the Hurricanes prevented a late surge from the Chiefs to hold out to a 22-18 victory.
Ma'a Nonu sealed the outcome in the 67th minute with the second of his two tries when he knocked the ball clear in an attempted intercept and then skillfully scooped it up just before it hit the ground to run 40 met res to the line.
In a desperate finish, the injury-ravaged Chiefs, with a makeshift second row after losing both locks, won an attacking five-metre scrum on full-time but conceded a penalty when their pack came under pressure.
The Chiefs led 13-10 at half-time, and Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush said that served as a wake-up call as the championship pacesetters fought back to secure their 11th win from 12 games.
"It's really the first time we've been put under that sort of pressure in that first 40 minutes and it took us a while to react," he said.
"They got a bit of a lucky break to get on top, then both their locks went off and they had a man in the bin and it gave us a bit of confidence to get into our driving mauls."
The Hurricanes have now skipped 17 points clear of the second-placed Bulls from South Africa.
The Chiefs, 13 points behind the 'Canes, are the second-most successful team although they remain in fourth place under the conference system which reserves the first three places to the top teams from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
The Chiefs, with number one lock Brodie Retallick already sidelined with shoulder problems, lost both starting locks Michael Fitzgerald and Michael Allardice in the first-half.
They already have All Blacks halves Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Aaron Cruden out with injury while inside centre Sonny Bill Williams (back) and wing James Lowe (shoulder) were late withdrawals from this game.
The patched up nature of their backline was highlighted in the opening stages when flyhalf James Marshall split the Chiefs' defence for the 'Canes to set up camp deep in the visitors' territory leading to the opening try by Nonu.
Marty McKenzie kept the Chiefs in touch with two penalties to one by Marshall before the Chiefs snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Bryce Heem exposed frailties in the Hurricanes defence on the stroke of half-time before flicking the ball to Charlie Ngatai for the try. McKenzie's conversion saw the Chiefs turn 13-10 ahead.
Immediately after the resumption the Hurricanes regained the lead when they opted for a lineout drive over a kickable penalty and Ardie Savea crossed for the try.
Nonu's second try, converted by Marshall, extended the lead to 22-13 before Sam Cane scored the second Chief's try to narrow the gap and ensure a bonus point for the narrow loss.
Man of the match: Bryce Heem was abrasive down the wing for the Chiefs, as was Hosea Gear who was difficult to bring down. Marty McKenzie was a general for the Chiefs and was impressive with his decision making. Sam Cane was relentless on the turf and Liam Messam seemed to be everywhere on the park. James Broadhurst continued his form with great ball carries and a high work-rate. Julian Savea was his usual self down the wing bouncing defenders at will. Ma'a Nonu scored two tries, including his 50th try. However our award goes to Ardie Savea, who scored one try, made strong ball carries, and was everywhere on the park.
The scorers:
For the Hurricanes:
Tries: Nonu 2, A Savea,
Cons: Marshall 2
Pen: Marshall
For the Chiefs:
Tries: Ngatai, Cane,
Con: McKenzie
Pens: McKenzie 2
Yellow card: Liam squire (Chiefs, 49 – Tip tackle on Nonu)
Teams:
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 James Marshall, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: 16. Dane Coles, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Mark Abbott/Callum Gibbins, 20 Blade Thomson, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Otere Black, 23 Rey Lee-Lo.
Chiefs: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Bryce Heem, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Mike Fitzgerald, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Mitchell Graham, 19 Liam Squire, 20 Maama Vaipulu, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Andrew Horrell, 23 Marty McKenzie.
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe, Aki Aso
TMO: Vinny Munro
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