Aaron Cruden’s last minute penalty extends Reds losing streak at Wellington - Super Rugby
Hurricanes fly half Aaron Cruden’s last minute penalty has denied Reds their ninth consecutive victory of super xv and Hurricane's first victory against them in 13 years.
Hurricanes hosted the visitors from Australia at Westpac during round 11 of the ongoing Super Rugby 2011 championships. The match was played at Wellington on Saturday, April 30.
It was a landmark match for Hurricanes' captain, Andrew h**e, who was also making his 100th appearance for the franchise in the Super Rugby competition.
Hurricanes win has provided their fans something to cheer about in an otherwise disappointing season. Reds currently are now at second position in the combined super
xv table but they will slip to third position if Stormers win their match against the Sharks later today.
Reds started the match strongly and were in lead during the first minute of the game. However, Hurricanes came back strongly to as they enjoyed more ball and territory
possession. Hurricanes scored four tries in span of 35 minutes to keep the super xv leaders trailing by 17 points at the half time.
Reds capitalized on the Hurricanes fatigue and fitness problem during the second half as the Hurricances were coming off from the South African tour. Reds’ winger Luke
Morahan’s two tries alongside their fly half Quade Cooper’s three penalties and a conversion put the visitors on lead during the 71st minute of the game.
With little over ten minutes, remaining in the match both sides tried their best to score. However, Hurricanes somehow hold back the Reds late surge; and counter attacked
with their winger Hosea Gear. Gear ended up winning a penalty during the 79th minute.
Aaron Cruden scored on penalty during the last minute of game to leave Hurricanes with a victory and a try bonus point from the match to put them at the 8th
place. However, Hurricanes end of the week standings will be confirmed at today’s Bulls Vs Chiefs encounter at Pretoria.
Hurricanes Captain, h**e, has termed the victory as special, particularly because his team's achievement came against the championship leaders.
He attributed Hurricanes 28 – 26 victory over Reds as a team milestone as the forward line piled up the score during the first-half and during the second-half they were
impressive in their defence.
The victory is the Hurricanes third win in the season and for now is their most significant achievement in the super XV.
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