[2016 Super Rugby] Hurricanes vs. Chiefs (Semi-Final 1) 30/07/2016

[TRF_heineken]

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Time: 09:35 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Glen Jackson & Paul Williams
TMO: Ben Skeen​

 

[nzlizard]

The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Hurricanes is:

1. Kane Hames (8)
2. Nathan Harris (22)
3. Atu Moli (10)
4. Dominic Bird (10)
5. Brodie Retallick (70)
6. Taleni Seu (17)
7. Sam Cane (81) co-captain
8. Tom Sanders (14)
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (66)
10. Aaron Cruden (72) co-captain
11. James Lowe (36)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (23)
13. Seta Tamanivalu (21)
14. Sam McNicol (11)
15. Damian McKenzie (32)

RESERVES:

16. Hika Elliot (103)
17. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi (10)
18. Mitchell Graham (25)
19. Lachlan Boshier (7)
20. Michael Leitch (23)
21. Brad Weber (41)
22. Toni Pulu (12)
23. Shaun Stevenson (6)

 

[eidde]

15 James Marshall
14 Cory Jane
13 Matt Proctor
12 Willis Halaholo
11 Jason Woodward
10 Beauden Barrett
9 TJ Perenara
8 Victor Vito
7 Ardie Savea
6 Brad Shields
5 Michael Fatialofa
4 Vaea Fifita
3 Ben May
2 Dane Coles (c)/Ricky Riccitelli
1 Loni Uhila

Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli/Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson Park, Vince Aso, Julian Savea.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'm actually pretty confident the Chiefs can take the win here. I think last week was a very good springboard for them, and I don't think the travel factor will be that much of an issue.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Also quite like the Chiefs to pip this one. They seem to have a real steel about them from what I've seen in recent weeks, which is pretty impressive for such a young side and I think they'll give it everything for the full 80 minutes. If the Hurricanes win then having secured the top seed and a relatively straightforward first finals game will probably be a significant factor.

 

[Ludders93]

The way Beauden Barrett is playing I like the Hurricanes to win this one. I remember the opening game of Super Rugby, watching them get demolished by the Brumbies. I thought last year's loss and the loss of Nonu + Conrad Smith would see them drop a few levels this year. But their form in the last month has just been outstanding. They've peaked at the right time and I think they'll win Super Rugby. As much as it pains me to say with 16k riding on a Lions Super Rugby win, I see the Canes winning a repeat final of last year

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Match underway! Come on Chiefs!

 

[nickdnz]

Canes!

 

[austingtir]

If Hansen starts Cruden in the RC he's mad.

Unfreaking believable try setup by Barrett there. The line he took after taking the chip was ridiculous not sure many other players have the wheels to pull that one off.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Not sure why I tipped against Barrett - just awesome. But then look how strong the Chiefs come back. Their mentality is spot on and I think they are going to hang around like a bad smell all game.

 

[Sonic Kiwi]

Not sure why I tipped against Barrett - just awesome. But then look how strong the Chiefs come back. Their mentality is spot on and I think they are going to hang around like a bad smell all game.

I's the bench that matters. Shag is right regardless.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Amazon first try from the Canes!

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

That could have been an amazing try.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Lots of penalties against the Hurricanes, they have to be careful or they'll get a yellow. McKenzie is some prospect. The thought of Barrett and him in future years in the ABs (with McKenzie kicking penalties) is pretty terrifying.

 

[Bluemoon]

Really nice pace to this game for a semi final!

Damaging to get an early yellow card warning for the cane's. I get the impression that Vito is going to have to be on his best behaviour for the next 20 mins.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

There has to be a yellow card. I think the ref has bottled it there. He's given about 7-8 penalties inside the Canes 22.

- - - Updated - - -

What a match!

 

[Bluemoon]

There has to be a yellow card. I think the ref has bottled it there. He's given about 7-8 penalties inside the Canes 22.

- - - Updated - - -

What a match!

I agree. Really had to be card there. Canes getting away with murder.

 

[austingtir]

There has to be a yellow card. I think the ref has bottled it there. He's given about 7-8 penalties inside the Canes 22.

- - - Updated - - -

What a match!

I dont think any of them warranted a yellow. This is finals football. The Chiefs had to score and they didnt plenty of opportunities.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Thought Savea's tackle on Cruden was high there...

 

[austingtir]

Thought Savea's tackle on Cruden was high there...

He fell into the tackle.

I thought the reff was spot on down the Canes end. Let them play it out. The Chiefs couldnt come up with a score and infact I thought the Canes got the better of them in a couple of those defensive scrums.

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Theres nothing in this other than the Chiefs making enormous mistakes atm. Feeling the pressure from what I can see.