Rugby: Hurricanes dig deep to beat Force

John Schwalger of the Hurricanes is tackled by Nathan Charles. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes 34
Force 28

The Hurricanes have clung on to a Super 15 rugby playoffs lifeline thanks to a determined 34-28 win over Western Force tonight.

They prevailed in the first Super match at Palmerston North in four years, temporarily at least leaping past the Chiefs as the fourth placed of the five New Zealand conference teams.

While the likelihood of them qualifying for the top six playoffs remains tenuous at best, at least the scalp of a seriously depleted Western Force side leaves them with a mathematical chance of reaching the post-season.

Super 15 standings

And with their own injury problems easing and fullback Cory Jane and centre Conrad Smith the latest to return after enforced absences, the Hurricanes overcame an indifferent first half when they trailed 10-18 after regularly being exposed around the fringes.

It was not until the last 10 minutes that they got on top, with two late tries laid on by first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, who took toll of the Forces tiring defenders.

The Force played much the better rugby in the first spell as fullback Cameron Shepherd and Sharpe guided their less experienced colleagues around the field.

The Hurricanes, who missed 10 tackles in the first 40 minutes alone, found it difficult to combat the visitors' regimented and disciplined approach, with their only try of the spell to second five-eighth Nonu owing everything to a clever offload from Smith following a break by halfback Chris Eaton.

The Force hit back with two of their own, the first to second five-eighth Rory Sidey after wing David Smith was dragged down just short of the line, and the second to Shepherd after a patient build up through 11 phases of play.

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu was injected into the game at the start of the second half and it took the nine minutes into the second spell before they made inroads into their deficit.

It was Nonu again who crossed the line, his second try coming when he ripped the ball from Smith, whose footwork had taken him close to the line before he was held up.

But the Force hit back 7min later when sweet stepping first five-eighth James Stannard eluded two tacklers to lay on a try for No 8 Ben McCalman.

Cruden came into his own as the match wore on, his running game being employed to telling effect in the last 10min when he set up tries for lock James Broadhurst and fullback Corey Jane through a combination of snappy footwork and quick hands.

His goalkicking was tidy as well, as the Manawatu product enjoyed returning to his home ground by nailing six from six in a personal haul of 14 points.

It was a tough result for Shepherd, in particular, to swallow as he produced a fine performance to contribute 18 of his side's points.

Hurricanes 34 (Ma'a Nonu 2, James Broadhurst, Cory Jane tries; Aaron Cruden 2 pen, 4 con) Western Force 28 (Cameron Shepherd, Rory Sidey, Ben McCalman tries; Shepherd 3 pen, 2 con). Halftime: 10-18.

- NZPA