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Hurricanes hammer Highlanders, Speight stars in derby win

Hurricanes celebrate beating Highlanders

Ngani Laumape and Vince Aso scored two tries apiece as Hurricanes hammered Highlanders 41-15 in Super Rugby, while Henry Speight also claimed a double in Brumbies’ 28-12 derby win at Waratahs.

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Hurricanes suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Chiefs last week, but the champions responded with a seven-try demolition job in a repeat of the 2015 final at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

Ardie Savea barged over for the opening try when Highlanders were unable to stop a maul, but Matt Faddes took an inside pass from Aaron Smith to go over and put Tony Brown’s men in front, only for Laumape’s first score to give the Canes a 10-8 lead at the break.

Jordie Barrett laid on a try for Matt Proctor just after the interval and Laumape added his second following an Elliot Dixon five-pointer with TJ Perenara in the bin.

There was no stopping Hurricanes, who ran away with it as Julian Savea went over before Aso helped himself to a brace in a resounding bonus-point success, leaving Highlanders with just one win to their name from four matches.

Brumbies made it two wins out of two after a commanding second half consigned Waratahs, still missing Bernard Foley due to concussion, to defeat at Allianz Stadium, securing victory in the inaugural Dan Vickerman Cup.

Australia wing Speight scored a superb solo try after the rivals were locked at 7-7 at the break and picked a hole to add another, with Tevita Kuridrani and Robbie Abel also scoring.

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SK 2 hours ago
'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'

Its an interesting few points you raise Nick. Rassie has been way bolder than Razor in selection but then again he really has to be as he plots towards 2027. The reality is more than half his squad from 2023 may have to be culled and this includes some of the best players the Boks have ever had on their books. The age profile of his team was such that he needed to blood all these young players and he will do the same next year with even more players as he tries to put together a squad with enough experience to take to 2027. Razor on the other hand has a large number of players that will make 2027. Alot of players will be over 100 caps and these players would have multiple caps together. A large amount of these are starters as well. He is trying to build combinations and a rigid style of play. Razor wants absolute control and you can see it. He wants his players to follow his instructions to the tee. He will not accept anything less. He has included some young guns who he will stick with and older players who have earned his trust. Razor goes with what he knows and appears reluctant to accept quick change. He is the kind of coach who will change incrementally and that may not be a bad thing given his position and the profile of his squad. It also gives the players time to setlle into their roles and to work within his system. Razor has a narrow focus on winning. he wants results now and wont take any risks in selection while he believes the current group can win. He is the most conservative NZ coach in the last 25 years to take the top job. This could stall NZ progress or it could create a team that is unstoppable and ready for anything going into 2027 albeit without the same level of depth as the Boks.

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