Hurricanes hold off Lions
A whirlwind start from the Hurricanes set them on their way to a 38-32 win over the Lions in Johannesburg.
Last Updated: 28/03/09 8:36pm
A whirlwind start from the Hurricanes set up a 38-32 win over the Lions in Johannesburg as the home side ran out of gas in the closing stages after a spirited fightback.
Two tries in the opening eight minutes from centre Conrad Smith laid the foundation for a hard-fought bonus-point win.
The Lions replied valiantly and actually led 25-24 with half-an-hour to play before the visitors turned up the tempo to secure the five points.
The Lions will have to settle for two bonus points, but once again will be licking their wounds after losing a game that was within their reach of winning.
Concern
While the 'Canes will be happy with their finishing, the amount of possession they turned over will be a concern.
Smith opened the scoring after just six minutes after Jason Eaton had found his way across the gain-line. With a two-man overlap out wide, the rest was a formality for the All Black centre.
It took just two minutes for Smith to strike again, this time from close range as he dived over a ruck.
The Hurricanes had 17 points on the board from just two visits to the Lions 22 in the early stages, punishing their hosts for missing too many first-time tackles.
It looked like the Lions had butchered a chance when first Andre Pretorius and then Ashwin Willemse could not find their way over the line, but managed to recycle the ball out to Jaque Fourie to score.
The Lions continued to claw their way back into the game as Pretorius kicked two penalties before missing a third to leave the scores at 11-17 with half time on the horizon.
But the half was to end the way it started, with the Lions missing tackles and the Hurricanes touching down. This time is was Alby Mathewson who sniped around the side of a ruck after the home side were caught napping by a quick throw-in.
However, the Lions refused to go away, Fourie striking just four minutes after the break following a stolen Hurricanes line-out.
Remarkable comeback
Todd Clever was next to cross the line after Louis Ludik's break down the touchline. Pretorius' conversion put the home side ahead for the first time at 25-24.
The comeback had been remarkable but had taken it's toll. With the men in red dead on their feet, the Hurricanes turned up the heat to reclaim the lead.
Ma'a Nonu crossed the line after a period of sustained pressure and the centre then turned creator when his chip kick ricocheted of a Lions player to allow Willie Ripia a clear passage to the line.
Shandre Frolick used his pace to secure a bonus point for the Lions with 90 seconds left on the clock before Pretorius' conversion earned them a second for losing by less than seven points.
