Rugby: Canes shine in fast show

Tamati Ellison scores a try for the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes 45
Blues 27

Back to bed, Fitzy. Take a sedative in milk to erase this try-fest from your memory before you switch your attention to one of those invigorating club rugby games in your part of the globe.

The Blues would probably like to follow Fitzy's strategy in blotting out this result after they were belted out of the contest - and probably out of contention for the Super 14 playoffs - by the freewheeling Hurricanes.

"We were a bit disappointed with the unstructured way the game went," winning skipper Rodney So'oialo said. "We played into their hands with the freestyle play; we wanted more structure."

All season the Blues have scored tries, but leaked plenty, too. Last night the second quarter had barely started before they had conceded five.

Their frailties were exposed immediately when Conrad Smith sauntered through the defensive line. Repeat lapses gave the Canes their winning advantage early and in the firecracker start none was better than replacement fullback Tamati Ellison who nailed two tries.

The Blues claimed a couple of tries themselves from their possession advantage, but the Hurricanes had the more organised defence.

It was expected to be a boomer. It was. And the early explosions all went off under the Blues who were coming off a dud - they hardly fired a shot last week against the Reds. They were far better last night, much more combative, but ultimately they still made too many first-quarter mistakes to capitalise on their attacking intent.

From an 8-35 deficit the Blues hinted at an extraordinary fightback straight after the break when they reduced the margin to 20-35. The outstanding workaholic wing Rene Ranger smashed over after another great break from Isaia Toeava.

For the next 15 minutes the Blues dominated the contest while the Hurricanes desperately tried to slow down the outrageous movement in the game. They were unsuccessful, but their defence was top-drawer.

It had to be, as Toeava, Ranger, Rudi Wulf and Co threw a heap of attacking ideas at their hosts. Scott Waldrom and So'oialo led the forwards' defence while Conrad Smith and Willie Ripia ran the backline arrangements and Nonu, David Smith and mates brought the attacking damage.

Eventually Nonu delivered the dagger blow. From lineout ball, the midfielder set off for the line in a powerful jagged run which ended when he planted the ball against the goalpost and won the approval of the television match official.

That confirmed the Hurricanes triumph and snuffed out the Blues comeback though not their endeavour. They kept attacking as they searched for a bonus point to add to the double-digit extras they had claimed this season.

A week ago, they nailed that target in extra time, last night replacement flanker Dean Budd bagged it with a minute left to run.

Hurricanes: C Smith, S Waldrom, T Ellison 2, M Nonu 2; tries; W Ripia 6 con, pen
Blues: J Rokocoko, A Tuitavake, R Ranger, D Budd, tries; J Gopperth pen, 2 con
Halftime: 35-13