Wynne Gray: Explosive weapon's limited shelf life

Famously some years ago, one of Northern Districts cricketing imports Graeme Hick was described as a flat-track bully because of the way he destroyed modest bowling attacks.

That description could equally apply to another of the area's sporting imports though you would need some bravery pills before asking Sione Lauaki what he made of that judgement.

He must be a frustrating forward to coach, a mix of outrageous attack, deft skills and footwork while at other times showing the other side of his rugby nature with his handling errors, sloppy ball protection and apparent indifference to workrate.

He starred for the Pacific Islanders five years ago, but when he made All Black level he has been used occasionally and his form matched those fitful selections.

It seemed Lauaki had brought his B game to Waikato Stadium last night, he looked a little laboured, his running was too upright as the hosts tried to get into the opening semifinal.

Then he started to crunch ahead, the Hurricanes began to need several defenders to bring the big unit to a halt as the Chiefs worked their way back into the game. And when the Hurricanes went a man down through an average sin-bin decision, Lauaki hit the power boost.

He pushed off Cory Jane, danced and surged away from rival No 8 Rodney So'oialo and slammed the ball down for a magnificent try. He was making amends after missing the Chiefs' only previous semifinal appearance in 2004.

It was an exhibition of power, speed, skill and footwork which at Lauaki's best, is the sort of combination which can be matched only by a rare few others in Super 14.

But then he was gone, way too quickly, damaged in a head clash and too groggy to continue. It was a snapshot of his infuriating career, an explosive weapon with limited shelf life.

Someone had to step up and it was Sitiveni Sivivatu, the sole survivor from the 2004 semifinal loss to the Brumbies. He was magic from the start. Those gliding runs turned reliable tacklers into glazed statues while his ability to keep the ball alive and find support runners was equally damaging. Sivivatu's counter-attack return from 70m which drew a try for his classy Chiefs' skipper Mils Muliaina was pure class on an absorbing night.