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Blues, Hurricanes and Chiefs enjoy Super Rugby victories

Author
Newstalk ZB, NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Sun, 9 Feb 2020, 4:18PM
Another impressive second-half performance from Warren Gatland's Chiefs saw them turn around a halftime deficit, and beat the defending champion Crusaders. Photo / Photosport

Blues, Hurricanes and Chiefs enjoy Super Rugby victories

Author
Newstalk ZB, NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Sun, 9 Feb 2020, 4:18PM

The Chiefs have continued their resurgence under Warren Gatland's leadership with a win of three-time winners the Crusaders. 

Another impressive second-half performance from Gatland's Chiefs saw them turn around a halftime deficit, and beat the defending champions 25-15.

While the scoreline didn't necessarily reflect it, this was a dominant showing for the Chiefs. Early lapses might have cost them, but for the best part of 60 minutes, the Chiefs overpowered the Crusaders across the park.

However, there were positives for the Crusaders, with their attack showing promising signs early despite the absence of their general Richie Mo'unga.

The Blues also notched a win over the Waratahs, their first of the season. 

After a stilted first half where there was a lot of nervous and error-ridden rugby from both teams, the Blues took control in the second half when they had a stiff breeze behind their back.

They started the second period with two decisive tries that were both built on their ability to remain patient and wait for the right opportunity to strike at the heart of the Waratahs' defence.

The first came when TJ Faiane delayed his pass for midfield partner Joe Marchant who hit the line at top speed and at a great angle.

The second by Mark Telea, a few minutes later, was created by an incredible grubber kick from Hoskins Sotutu.

The Hurricanes secured their first win of the season in Argentina.

Well contained for 70 minutes, it took just two passages of play for the side to get back in the game and ultimately steal a 26-23 win over the Jaguares.

After a dismal showing for against the Stormers a week ago, there were signs of improvement for the Hurricanes. Jordie Barrett was heavily involved in the play, often slotting in at first receiver, while Ngani Laumpae and Billy Proctor found some success in the middle.

But for the most part, any attack the Hurricanes launched was well contained by the Jaguares, who bodied up well on defence and did plenty of good work at the breakdown to see off most threats. The Hurricanes attack was at most stagnant, side-to-side affair that was easily smothered and slowed down.

It wasn't until front rower Alex Fidow crashed over in the 71st minute from close range after a scrum penalty that the Hurricanes looked like they could actually win the game, with some late heroics from Laumape, Vaea Fifita and Jamie Booth sealing an improbable victory.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders have made a rough start to their Super Rugby campaign with a 42-20 loss to the Sharks in Dunedin.

The Southerners conceded three tries in eight minutes to be down 27-3 at the break, before failing to mount a meaningful comeback.

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