Cooper laments mental lapses in another defeat

SYDNEY - Coach Colin Cooper pinpointed his side's tendency to switch off after scoring as he surveyed the wreckage of Saturday's 31-49 loss to the Waratahs.

Virtually every time the Hurricanes dotted down at a packed Aussie Stadium, the Waratahs struck back to maintain their lead.

"From kick-offs we'd make mistakes, turn over the ball and let them back into the game," Cooper said.

The Waratahs pack dominated and their backline were also slick in the seven-tries-to-four win.

Cooper admitted the Hurricanes struggled to compete up front. "The way they drove was very good."

The Hurricanes secured a bonus point, and Cooper said his eighth-placed side still had a chance of making the playoffs.

"The way the results are going I don't think you can count too many teams out."

All Black Jerry Collins suffered a neck injury in the 24th minute but saw out the match before leaving the stadium in a brace.

- NZPA