Hurricanes guaranteed of staying top of Super 14 after 45-27 win over Blues

Hurricanes beat Blues 45-27 in Super 14

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Tamati Ellison and Ma’a Nonu each scored two tries as the Wellington Hurricanes consolidated first place in Super 14 rugby with a 45-27 win over the Auckland Blues on Friday.

The Hurricanes ensured they will remain atop the championship table through the current 12th of 14 regular season rounds by winning for the eighth time this season and banking a four-try bonus point within 20 minutes of the start.

In a match with little defense, the teams traded five tries inside the first quarter of the game, and seven tries in a spectacular first half after which Wellington led 35-13.

Ellison and Nonu shared three of the Hurricanes’ five first-half tries while others went to All Blacks Conrad Smith and Scott Waldrom. All five were converted by flyhalf Willie Ripia.

Auckland’s first-half tries came from All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Anthony Tuitavake, while flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth — against his old side — managed only a penalty from his four first-half kicks at goal.

The second half began with Blues’ winger Rene Ranger scoring his team’s third try, the eighth of the match, 90 seconds into the half. A combination of exhaustion and a loss of structure slowed the scoring tempo from that point.

Both coaches introduced substitutes early in the second half to refresh their teams but the attacking play was without the sharpness and continuity of the first half.

“We were actually quite disappointed today,” Wellington captain Rodney So’oialo said. “We (picked up) five points but the game was quite unstructured and we were quite disappointed with the way it went.”

Auckland claimed a four-try bonus point when Dean Budd crossed in the 80th minute.

“The bonus point try shows we keep working right to the end which is important to us,” Blues captain Keven Mealamu said.

“We’re all a bit disappointed (with) how many points we gave away in the first half. But I’m still proud of the boys who showed a lot of character and attitude. It was just too much to catch up in the second half.”

Scores:

Wellington 45 (Tamati Ellison 2, Ma’a Nonu 2, Conrad Smith, Scott Waldrom tries; Willie Ripia 6 conversions, penalty), Auckland 27 (Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Rene Ranger, Dean Budd tries; Jimmy Gopperth 2 conversions, penalty). HT: 35-13.