Chiefs 26
The Hurricanes overcame a 22-day spell between matches to graft out a 29-26 win over the Chiefs in an error-strewn Super 15 rugby match in Wellington tonight.
The visiting Chiefs outscored the Hurricanes three tries to two in a frenetic match that promised much but was hindered by a lack
of accuracy at crucial times.
A late try to fullback Tim Nanai-Williams threatened to give the Chiefs a chance to take the game away from the Hurricanes at the death but the inability to retain possession for any length of time - a malaise that afflicted both sides throughout the match - denied the visitors that opportunity.
MATCH STATS
SUPER 15 STANDINGS
A flawless goalkicking display from the Hurricanes kickers Aaron Cruden and his replacement Daniel Kirkpatrick ultimately separated the two sides but it was a far from convincing performance.
Their rustiness could be forgiven - the Hurricanes last played a competitive match on February 18 when they lost to the Highlanders - but the Chiefs had no such excuse.
The first half was a disjointed affair with handling lapses and plenty of whistle from Marius Jonker stopping the game developing any flow.
The fumbles started from the kick-off when Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton spilled the ball into the arms of a gleeful Lelia Masaga who was halted metres short of the line.
The tone for the match was then set by a helter-skelter couple of minutes when the ball remained in play while both sides tried to win a mistakes competition.
It was something of a relief when points were finally scored in the 21st minute with Chiefs first five-eighth Stephen Donald stepping off his left foot to cross under the posts with his opposite, and rival to be Dan Carter's understudy for the All Blacks, Cruden grimly clinging on.
After a Cruden penalty got the Hurricanes on the board they took the lead to reward a rare period of sustained pressure. Prop John Schwalger was left with the simple task of burrowing over from all of a metre out, but two Donald penalties gave the visitors a 13-10 lead at the break.
They extended their advantage two minutes after the interval when former Hurricane Scott Waldrom created and then finished off a sweeping Chiefs move. Waldrom secured turnover ball near the halfway line, Liam Messam surged forward before the move was carried on by former Hurricanes hero Tana Umaga and Sitiveni Sivivatu before Waldrom scooped up to cross out wide.
The 37-year-old Umaga, playing against the side he represented with distinction on 122 occasions, had a quiet evening and was replaced after 60 minutes.
Cruden added two more penalties to close the deficit before a disputed try to replacement halfback Tyson Keats gave the home fans something to cheer about. Wing Andre Taylor, who posed a threat all night, got close before the diminutive Keats looked to have grounded to ball short but was awarded the try.
Kirkpatrick's goalkicking kept the Chiefs at arm's length and Nanai-Williams' late effort could only ensure they picked up a bonus point for their efforts.
Hurricanes 29 (John Schwalger, Tyson Keats tries; Aaron Cruden 3 pen 1 con, Daniel Kirkpatrick 2 pen, con)
Chiefs 26 (Stephen Donald, Scott Waldrom, Tim Nanai-Williams tries; Donald 2 pen, con, Mike Delany pen.) Halftime: 10-13.
- NZPA