Hurricanes blow away Blues
The Hurricanes gave their Super 14 title hopes a major boost with an emphatic 45-27 win over the Blues at the Westpac Stadium.
Last Updated: 01/05/09 5:02pm
The Hurricanes gave their Super 14 title hopes a major boost with an emphatic 45-27 win over the Blues at the Westpac Stadium.
Ma'a Nonu and Tamati Ellison ran in two tries apiece to ensure the New Zealanders remain on top of the table with eight wins from their 11 games played.
Both sides traded five tries inside the first quarter of the game, and seven tries in a spectacular first half after which Wellington led 35-13.
Conrad Smith scored the first try of the match - hitting a perfect angle outside Jimmy Gopperth to put the hosts 7-3 ahead on four minutes.
Hurricanes extended their advantage nine minutes later after a well-timed off-load from David Smith sent Scott Waldrom through for the score.
With the visitors struggling to cope with Canes' attacking prowess, Jeremy Thrush stole possession and after Ellison collected his own chip to score, the Blues were trailing 21-3 with less than 20 minutes played.
Consolation
Joe Rokocoko did slash the deficit, albeit briefly, two minutes later. Fine link-up play between All Black duo Isaia Toeva and Anthony Tuitavake allowing the wing to power over out wide.
However, the Blues switched off straight after the re-start when Jay Williams failed to gather William Ripia's tester and Nonu crossed for his first try of the match.
The scoring failed to cease and Ellison and Tuitavake exchanged tries before the interval to see the first half finish with the hosts 22 points ahead.
Pat Lam's outfit came out firing at the start of the second half and struck early when Toeava broke and fed the supporting Rene Ranger for a well-crafted try.
The frantic pace continued throughout and when Nonu's typical break through the midfield cancelled out his opponent's effort, the points were all but sealed.
The Blues did grab a consolation on the hooter with replacement Dean Budd's converted effort sending them home with a losing bonus point.
