Hurricanes reach semi-finals in inaugural Brisbane Tens tournament

The Hurricanes were knocked out of the inaugural Brisbane Global Tens tournament by the Crusaders at a hot Suncorp Stadium on Sunday evening. The Chiefs went on to beat the Crusaders 12-5 in the final.

It was a mixed weekend for the defending Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes. Club Rugby had a look at each game.

Hurricanes Pool Games

The Hurricanes won two out of three group games, accounting for the Force (17-12) and Toulon (32-0) after stumbling to the Highlanders (13-0). The win against the Force was especially hard-earned and vital in the path to the quarter finals.

A late intercept by former All Black wing Cory Jane broke a 12-12 deadlock in the Force fixture. Jane snatched a hurried pass 25-metres out from the Force goal line and rushed away for the winning score.

Earlier the Hurricanes started brightly on the back of Force ill-discipline, but were unable to breach the defence. The Force opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Kane Koteka dashed 25-metres to the chalk. The halftime score was 5-0 to the Force.

Curtis Rona scored 41 tries in 57 games in the NRL and showed he could be an exciting rugby convert scoring the Force's second try from a chip and chase.

Down 12-0, the Hurricanes urgency and precision noticeably lifted. Following a bullying run, Reed Prinsep was held up over the goal line by Michael Ruru and then Matt Proctor opened the Hurricanes account taking a pass from Brad Shields who fooled the defense by changing the direction of the attack.

Joe 'Apikotoa levelled the scores when he muscled over close to the posts.

The Hurricanes managed to keep the Force anchored in their 22 which was enough to eventually break the stalemate when the evergreen Jane was alert to a loose pass.

The Hurricanes lost their second group game to the Highlanders. In a scrappy affair a late try by Matt Faddes, stealing unprotected ball at the back of the ruck, settled the contest.

A depleted Toulon, reduced to three reveres because of injuries, succumbed meekly. Jonah Lowe (2), Vince Aso, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Asafo Aumua and Tiaan Falcon scored the Hurricanes tries.

Highlanders Defeat Avenged

A late touchline conversion by Jordie Barrett ensured the Hurricanes edged the Highlanders 7-5 in the quarter finals.

With two minutes left the Hurricanes had an attacking lineout in the Highlanders 22 and Falcon swooped upon an overthrow to ferret within inches of the goal line. The ball was unprotected at the back of the ruck resulting in ten meters of lost ground due to a timely Highlanders boot. However Vaea Fifita managed to recover possession bustle forward and quickly recycle creating an overlap on the short side. Fast hands by Miller-Skudder put Ricky Riccitelli over in the corner setting up Barrett for his dramatic winning moment.

Adrian Smith had put the Highlanders in the lead with a first-half try. In the first-half Wes Goosen was rundown by Tevita Li and Barrett by Matt Faddes with only vacant pasture ahead as the Highlanders threatened to keep the Hurricanes scoreless again.

Crusaders End Hurricanes Tournament

Barrett scored a late try from a chip and chase (a familiar tactic all weekend), but the Hurricanes were outplayed by the Crusaders who kicked for territory and backed their defence to force mistakes. The Crusaders try scores were Quinten Strange and Bryn Hill. The first Crusaders try arrived from an awkward bounce and the second was the result of raw pace and some hesitation in the Hurricanes defense as their appeared to be two knock-ons in the lead up involving five players.

What's Next?

What did the Hurricanes achieve this weekend? It's hard to know given the novelty factor of the tens and the searing heat which won't be present during Super Rugby. Goosen had a top tourney with some especially telling defensive work. Barrett looks set for some minutes this season reinforcing his reputation as a rising star in the New Zealand game. Rookies Lowe, Falcon and Apikotoa added zest from the bench. Jane and Fifita are nursing injury concerns.

Next Friday the Hurricanes travel to Waverly in Wanganui to tackle the Crusaders in a special pre-season fixture.