Hurricanes 17 Blues 19
As a Tui billboard would say: It was more gripping than the Da Vinci Code. Yeah, right.
What had been looming as the highlight of the Wairarapa social calendar turned into a damp squib, quite literally.
Driving rain and cold weather marred the Super 14 pre-season match between the Blues and Hurricanes at the Tui brewery in Mangatainoka yesterday. A sellout crowd of nearly 8000 packed into a specially-made stadium on a farm in the small Wairarapa community made famous by the popular brewery.
A 10-tonne roller had apparently been used to flatten the ground out beforehand, something seen as necessary given the number of sheep who normally parade over the ground.
The match was officially won by the Blues 19-17.
Both sides scored three tries in the difficult conditions but two conversions to former Wellington first five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick proved the difference. Kirkpatrick has transferred to the Blues this season and will play back-up to fellow newboy Stephen Brett.
The players struggled to prosper because of the conditions although the game opened up in the dying stages when the sun poked through.
Blues winger Rene Ranger was a standout performer, always looking threatening and crossing for two tries. Their other try went to Taniela Moa.
The Hurricanes scored through prop Anthony Perenise, halfback Chris Eaton and centre Charlie Ngatai while first five-eighth Willie Ripia landed one conversion.
In many ways, the rugby was secondary. Tui organised helicopter rides and an aerial display show, as well as local bands performing for the crowd that also included Colin Meads and Sir Brian Lochore.
A total of 17 schools and community groups were also there fundraising, many selling sausages which were said to go well with Tui-mato sauce.
The Blues will play the Chiefs in Albany on Friday while the Hurricanes host the Brumbies in Porirua, also on Friday.
Blues 19 (R. Ranger 2, T. Moa tries; D. Kirkpatrick 2 cons) Hurricanes 17 (A. Perenise, C. Eaton, C. Ngatai tries; W. Ripia con). HT: 5-5.
- NZPA
