Hurricanes 44 Reds 21
There's been quite a lot of politically correct assessment that All Black wingers need to be a kind of hybrid beast these days - part fullback, part kicker, part AFL leaper for the ball, part counter-attacker.
Amid all these (admittedly highly necessary and mostly defensive) duties, it can often be
forgotten that the job of a winger is, er, oh yes - scoring tries. Hosea Gear showed that against the Reds on Friday night.
Gear is supposed to be one of those wingers not really in favour with the All Black panel. That triumvirate were stung a few years back after a couple of losses where opponents did that dastardly thing - kicked the ball mountainously high to wingers who looked decidedly undecided about whether they could catch it.
Now, however, the new law interpretations mean the game may not be quite so dominated by the boring kick-fest, although no one will be convinced until the international season is under way.
Sitiveni Sivivatu is probably the ideal configuration for an All Black winger these days. He can catch (mostly); kick (reasonably well now); and he is a dynamite attacker, one of the few who can flummox defences with unexpected moves, twists and turns.
In his absence through injury, players like Gear must come into calculations, especially after his three tries against the Reds. He has come to form at the right time, is showing speed, strength, the ability to offload a ball and to distribute to supporting players.
In a season when the All Blacks may have to score more points than the opposition by notching tries (rather than being able to count on grinding them down and kicking the goals), Gear may be an asset.
It's a moot point because the next step up is a big one and Gear did not always look at home when he last played for the All Blacks. But two more things support his selection: Cory and Jane.
Fullback Cory Jane would likely not keep a fit Mils Muliaina out of the All Blacks but maybe that day is closer - and his combination with Gear is fast becoming persuasive.
He beat three defenders to set up Gear's second try and scored one himself supporting a Gear raid. Jane is a classy, elegant footballer.
Nothing he does looks as if it is done in haste - but he invariably makes the right decision, his timing is immaculate, his distribution spot on and he moves a lot quicker than it appears.
He has all the skills; he makes space and makes others look good; the sort of player others want in the side because he tickles the percentages in the tummy and helps a side express itself.
If that was Piri Weepu's last game at the Cake Tin, it was a good one. He played busily well and kicked for goal with his usual calm and efficiency. He passed well, too, although it has to be said that opposing halfback Will Genia looked a far sharper attacker and passer, although he had an in-and-out sort of game overall.
Those who are beating the drum for Aaron Cruden's selection for the All Blacks are still premature. There is no doubting his promise - he outplayed Quade Cooper who had an ordinary game. There is also no doubt Cruden has yet to convince that he can "run" a game at this level and that he has quite the physical and mental skills yet in attack and defence.Yet.
Andrew Hore was again an enormous presence in the pack for the Hurricanes and lock Jeremy Thrush added some steel.
The Reds will wonder what happened after heading out to a 21-8 win and then shipping 36 unanswered points. Their best might be behind them this season; they looked tired and feeling the effects of injury and pressure and their defence - often so good this season - let them down on more than one occasion.
The Hurricanes' season now hinges on beating the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday. If Gear and Jane do well there, they may combine elsewhere, later this season. Wearing black?
Hurricanes 44 (H. Gear 3, C. Jane, T. Ellison, D. Smith tries; P. Weepu 4 con, 2 pen), Reds 21 (S. Higginbotham, R. Davies, W. Chambers tries; Q. Cooper 3 con). Halftime: 13-21.
