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The Hurricanes have created history and kept their title hopes alive, defeating the Crusaders 34-32 in an all-time Super Rugby Aotearoa classic. There was plenty of passion from the opening minute shown by the visitors, with a fast and aggressive line speed showing their intent.
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The Hurricanes were dominated in the first half by the Crusaders scrum, but managed to lead at the half-time break courtesy of a Wes Goosen double. Despite the Crusaders bringing the scores to within one soon after the break, the Hurricanes survived a late scare to hold their lead for the entire second half.
Peter Umaga-Jensen’s try with 20 minutes to play was arguably the match’s decisive moment in what was a man-of-the-match display from the outside centre.
Victory meant that the Hurricanes ended the Crusaders’ 36-match winning run at home in Christchurch, while also sending off 50-gamer Ben Lam in the best way possible.
All players had to be near their best for the Canes to have had any chance of winning. Here is how RugbyPass rated their efforts:
1. Fraser Armstrong – 6/10
Didn’t get a chance to make an impact. Subbed off injured in the 16th minute.
2. Asafo Aumua – 8
Showed plenty of potential when he broke onto the New Zealand rugby scene a few years ago, but this might just have been the coming of age for the hooker. The 23-year-old was nearly perfect at the lineout and did plenty of damage with ball-in-hand and around the breakdown. If he can develop some consistency, the sky is the limit.
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3. Ben May – 6.5
Had three carries for no metres gained and made three tackles in an otherwise uneventful night. The Crusaders dominated the Hurricanes scrum for most of the match, which made it tough for the experienced prop to impress.
4. James Blackwell – 7.5
Impressed with his work rate once again. Had the second most carries of any Hurricanes forward with seven and made nine tackles. Also put his body on the line around the breakdown, doing what his team needed him to do.
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5. Scott Scrafton – 8
Was once again immense, putting his head in some dark places to secure the ball for his side. He also pressured the Crusaders lineout all night in what was another great display.
Half decent game that was! #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/G1viGdI6P1
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 25, 2020
6. Reed Prinsep – 7
A relatively quiet night as he wasn’t able to make his mark in attack or defence. Did enough around the breakdown, though.
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 7.5
Showed once again why he is one of the most exciting up-and-comers in New Zealand rugby. The 23-year-old made 13 tackles and carried well when he got his chance.
8. Ardie Savea – 8
One of the standouts. Was powerful when he carried and had an abundance of energy that allowed him to make an impact in defence and around the breakdown. Was simply destructive every time he got his hands on the ball.
Ardie says NO!#CRUvHUR pic.twitter.com/Zd55rGIzWl
— Super Rugby NZ (@SuperRugbyNZ) July 25, 2020
9. TJ Perenara – 7.5
Controlled the tempo of the Hurricanes attack well. Stepped up as a leader when his side needed him to, mainly with the boot.
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop – 7
Did what his team needed him to do: nothing too flash, nothing pointless. Showed glimpses of some special pieces of skill, including a kick in behind the Crusaders defensive line that was unfortunately called back.
11. Ben Lam – 7
In his 50th and final match for the Hurricanes, he struggled to get into the match. The ball didn’t really come his way in the first half but he stepped up his physicality in the second, mainly in defence. The winger sent George Bridge flying in the 57th minute with a big hit. Made eleven tackles in a performance largely dictated by his defence.
12. Ngani Laumape – 7.5
Showed everyone once again how dangerous he is with ball in hand, carrying defenders with him every time he ran the ball. His night was cut short due to injury, subbed off in the 53rd minute.
13. Peter Umaga-Jensen – 8.5
A man-of-the-match display. Again stood out with his sharp, brave and direct style of running that proved hard to contain. Ran a brilliant line off a Laumape pass to break through the Crusaders defence before setting up Goosen in the corner for the Hurricanes first try of the match. Was rewarded for an impressive night in attack and defence with a five-pointer of his own, scoring a pivotal try with under 20 minutes to play. He took on three defenders before wrestling his way to the chalk.
Wes Goosen bagged a double in the first half! This was his second, very nice.#CRUvHUR pic.twitter.com/OPHLSgFPRl
— Super Rugby NZ (@SuperRugbyNZ) July 25, 2020
14. Wes Goosen – 8
Was relatively quiet until Umaga-Jensen set him up for a try in the corner, running in unmarked for his first of the night. Had a lot more work to do to score his second, splitting two defenders to run in from 22 metres out. Topped the Hurricanes charts for metres run with 59. Also did his job in defence.
15. Jordie Barrett – 7.5
Was arguably the reason the visitors won. His kicking display not only kept the Hurricanes in it when they trailed, but his precision from the kicking tee was vital in extending their lead in one of the toughest places to win in the world. It was mixed night for him in the field of play, though, with a lot of aimless kicking that didn’t result in any gain. Still, secured a match-winning turnover inside the final minute.
Replacements:
16. Ricky Riccitelli – 5.5
17. Tevita Mafileo – 7
Came on a lot earlier than what he would have expected, but held his own. Made a team high 16 tackles in a confidence-building display by the 22-year-old.
18. Alex Fidow – 6.5
High work rate, doing enough in both attack and defence.
19. Liam Mitchell – 5.5
20. Devan Flanders – 5.5
21. Jamie Booth – 5.5
22. Vince Aso – 6
Not a bad replacement for Laumape.
23. Chase Tiatia – 5.5
Are you not entertained?!
What a win to take us into the bye week! Thanks for having us @crusadersrugby
#CRUvHUR @natstorage pic.twitter.com/mrm0DZNgwK
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) July 25, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
I question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
2 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
2 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to commentsWayne Smith's input didn't have as much impact on the last final as Davison's red card for Thompson. England were 14 points up and flying when that happened.
6 Go to commentsBilly's been playing consistently well for 2 - 3 seasons now and deserves a look in at the top level. Ioane and ALB are still first choice but there needs to be injury cover and succession. His partnership with Jordie gives him first dibs you'd think. Go the Hurricanes.
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