Rugby: Chiefs' frailties give New Zealand fans hope

Liam Messam. Photo / Christine Cornege

The Chiefs have not got a lot right in the past month, but keen rugby folk around the country should be well pleased with their latest contribution.

They contributed to a rollicking good game in the nation's capital on Saturday, unearthed a couple of potential gems in Tim Nanai-Williams and Jackson Willison and, when push came to penalty, missed a sitter that increased the chances of New Zealand representation in the Super 14 semifinals.

Coach Ian Foster will take little comfort that the Hurricanes' win and last-gasp, bonus-point try propelled them to the fringes of the top four, but he would have liked much of what he saw from his inexperienced side.

Led well by Liam Messam, the Chiefs made life miserable for the hosts in the first half, exacting full toll from the Hurricanes' abundant errors.

There were glimpses of why Willison is so highly regarded by his coach. Throughout the night he overshadowed out-of-form midfield partner Richard Kahui and displayed a nice set of hands when pouncing on an Aaron Cruden clanger to start a four-try burst.

In a frenetic first 40 minutes, Sona Taumalolo barged over from close range and Messam got full value out of another Hurricanes error, but the show was stolen by a young fullback who was expected to take a watch-and-learn brief this season.

Nanai-Williams, 20, had been a minor revelation this campaign. With Mils Muliaina absent, he made the giant step from NPC to Super 14 look simple. On Saturday night, he made beating one of the most accomplished defenders in the country look just as straightforward.

Taking the ball at first receiver he burst through the brittle Hurricanes' line and when confronted by Cory Jane, jump-stepped him out of his uniform. All Jane could do was attempt a flailing leg-trip.

With the Hurricanes playing for their season, the overmatched Chiefs found life tougher in the second spell. As with the week before against the Cheetahs, the boot let them down.

With a couple of minutes on the clock, Callum Bruce had a handy shot to pilfer the lead, but hit a snap-hook out of bounds.

The Hurricanes weren't complaining, though, running the length of the field to confirm their win and notch a valuable bonus point.

Fans who will feel incomplete unless there is a New Zealand team to follow in the playoffs will feel a little better too.

With the Crusaders in a funk, the Hurricanes, who host the Reds on Friday, have now emerged as our best hope to make the playoffs.