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Hurricanes blow Chiefs off course with Super 14 win

The Wellington Hurricanes sank the Waikato Chiefs 39-19 with a six-try blitz in their Super 14 rugby match yesterday.

It was the Hurricanes playing to their potential, as they eliminated the errors that had plagued their opening two matches.

They started with a roar and their wide running game ensured the bonus-point fourth try within 25 minutes.

Although the Chiefs gained control for the next half hour they were unable to sustain the pressure and the Hurricanes scored two more tries in the closing stages.

With the passes sticking, and a willingness to run at every opportunity, the Hurricanes were able enhance their second win of the season with their first bonus point.

The Chiefs could only show glimpses of quality and they let themselves down with too many turnovers to remain winless after three games.

In the opening quarter the Hurricanes linebreakers Jerry Collins and Ma'a Nonu were a constant threat, drawing in the Chiefs defense and laying the platform for an expansive game.

Nonu scored first from a 50m run, and Jimmy Gopperth, replacement halfback Alby Mathewson and Shannon Paku followed. Three Gopperth conversions had the Hurricanes quickly ahead 26-5.

But the Chiefs were not going to roll over. Tony Lynn, who replaced the injured Gibbes, secured a turnover with his first touch of the ball and Stephen Donald raced 60m untouched to score.

Donald converted his own try, and the Hurricanes led 26-12 at the turn.

The Chiefs dominated the opening stages of the second half and were rewarded with a try to Tanerau Latimer converted by Donald.

With the gap reduced to 26-19, Hurricanes captain Rodney So'oiala led his troops to regain the ascendancy with a try 20 minutes from time.

Fellow All Blacks loose forward Chris Masoe also scored and inside center Tane Tu'ipulotu added a drop goal on full-time.
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