Hurricanes' hopes still alive for the 2012 Super Rugby 15 play-offs - Rugby News Update
Hurricanes have successfully avoided a repeat of their historical 14-42 loss to Crusaders from April 21 by inflicting a single point defeat (23-22) in one of the crucial ties of the ongoing 2012 Super Rugby 15 event in Christchurch on Saturday.
The game was fought neck-to-neck and neither side was on top until the very last minutes of the game.
Hurricanes' Conrad Smith managed to score a total of two tries, followed by conversions made by Barrett. In addition to that, Barrett also managed to score three penalties for his team.
Meanwhile, Crusaders’ Tom Taylor scored five penalties and a conversion following to the try from Guildford. The last penalty from the Hurricanes' Beauden Barrett, in 73rd minute, changed the whole scenario for both the teams, and Crusaders'
efforts to make a comeback failed.
The Crusaders were not accompanied by their All Blacks stars like Dan Carter and Kieran because of their injuries. However, they tried their best to put up a good defence, but failed to match the Hurricanes.
Tylor delivered his best on the field for the Crusaders, but was not supported much by teammates.
"Just one of those days where we did some good things and we also did some pretty dumb things, so disappointing," Crusaders' captain, Richie McCaw said.
"I think we probably played at the wrong end of the field for a while, we made mistakes, especially in that first half, particularly in our 22 and critically after we scored. It was just one of those games when we did some good things and we also did some
dumb things,'' McCaw added.
At the same time, Hurricanes' skipper, Conrad Smith, complimented the opposition.
"They are too good a side to let them play, you've got to get up and shut them down," Conar shared.
It was Crusaders’ fifth defeat of the season in the 15 matches that they have played so far. They are scheduled to play two more matches in the upcoming week.
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