Rugby: Triple disaster as it all turns to custard for the Hurricanes

By WYNNE GRAY

A triple disaster hit the Hurricanes last night. They were beaten 47-28, lost inspirational midfielder Jason O'Halloran for perhaps the rest of the pool games and flanker Inoke Afeaki to a date with the judiciary after his third yellow card of the season

In the mandatory 10 minutes Afeaki spent in the bin for an illegal tackle the Hurricanes conceded 11 points and ultimately the contest. All season the Hurricanes have suffered through indiscipline with Tana Umaga and Kevin Yates suspended, Afeaki getting three cards, Norm Hewitt and Mike Edwards one each.

Afeaki must now explain his cumulative record while O'Halloran appeared to be concussed after a first minute clash of heads, an injury which would eliminate him from the Hurricanes last three pool games.

Victory returned the Brumbies to the competition lead with the Crusaders the only team capable of overhauling them this weekend if they beat the Cats in Johannesburg tomorrow.

A massive advantage in possession, high skills, patience and a refusal to kick away any ball allowed the Brumbies to apply consistent pressure and collect consistent points. Until the last five minutes, when the Brumbies had earned their maximum bonus point win, the Hurricanes were generally consigned to tackling duties because of the huge possession inequality.

They trailed 16-26 at the break and had just one fortuitous try.

Five eighths David Holwell threw a long pass which bounced through the midfield but was picked up brilliantly by Jonah Lomu. The wing swatted away two potential tacklers and then motored 55m for the touchdown.

Holwell's conversion allowed the Hurricanes to level at 13-all midway through the half and they even sneaked into the lead when Holwell drilled a superb 45m sideline penalty to give him five from five kicking successes.

However the Brumbies, after an early Joe Roff special to give him a record 37th try in Super 12 history, were gifted a second late in the half. As the Hurricanes' scrum went into reverse Filo Tiatia messed up the collection before Jason Spice threw a shocking pass straight to Mark Bartholomeuz who cantered 30m to score.

Soon after Afeaki was binned, the Brumbies went up another gear with second half tries to Patricio Noriega and Rod Kafer to ease away to their clinical win.

Brumbies 47 (J Roff, M Bartholomeuz, P Noriega, R Kafer, tries; S Mortlock 5 pen, 3 con, R Kafer drop goal, A Walker pen). Hurricanes 28 (J Lomu, F Tiatia, D Holwell tries; D Holwell, 3 pen, 2 con). Halftime 26-16.