1
TJ Perenara reveals the secret behind the Hurricanes’ perfect start
Halfback TJ Perenara has credited the Hurricanes’ depth as the secret behind the team’s perfect start to the season after they left it late to beat the Crusaders 14-10 in Christchurch.
ADVERTISEMENT
Down by three points with the full-time hooter practically warming up, the Canes decided not to take a penalty shot at goal as they instead opted to pack down for a scrum.
After the scrum was blown up for a penalty, and Du’Plessis Kirifi chose to try and steal the victory by taking a quick tap, the Hurricanes unleashed an onslaught of attacking pressure onto the try line.
Eventually, replacement Justin Sangster crashed over for the match-winning score as the men from the capital kept their unbeaten run in 2024 alive.
It was a historic five-pointer as the Hurricanes went on to claim only their seventh win ever over the Crusaders in Christchurch, while the hosts’ winless run this season stretches to four games.
“It’s a tough place to win,” TJ Perenara said on Sky Sport NZ’s broadcast.
“Coming down here and playing against a Crusaders outfit, I know that they haven’t started the season the way they wanted to but they’re always a force to be reckoned with.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Getting a win over them down here is important for us, it’s important for our season… it hasn’t happened a bunch of times so we cherish each time we get one.”
After starting their season with wins over the Western Force, Queensland Reds and Blues, the Hurricanes’ depth was tested again in round four against the ‘Saders.
Without the likes of Brad Shields and Jordie Barrett, other players have stepped up this season when they’ve needed to. As Perenara explained, that’s why the Hurricanes have started strong.
“We’ve got a good squad, we’ve got a deep squad as well,” Perenara added.
“Our ability to have players in and out, people starting, people coming off the bench – the range of talent in our environment… once we get on the field we’re really confident in what we can do out there.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We understand there’s a lot of good teams in this competition and on any given day, if a team plays at their highest level and we’re off a little bit, we can be (beaten) by them.
“Our ability to stay at the best that we can be at, we think we’ve got a really good chance at winning most games.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Now if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to comments