Hurricanes sail through
The Hurricanes clinched a place in the Super 14 semi-finals with a 37-28 victory over the Reds in Brisbane.
Last Updated: 17/05/09 12:02pm
The Hurricanes clinched a place in the Super 14 semi-finals in style, running in four tries in the first half on their way to a 37-28 win over the Reds.
Ma'a Nonu crossed twice to help the visitors move into second place in the table, while the result also means there will be no Australian team in the last four.
The New Zealand international got his side on the board after just six minutes, rounding off an eight-phase build up despite the efforts of Berrick Barnes.
The 'Canes scored their second try inside the ten-minute mark with a team effort - Rodney So'oialo and Victor Vito were amongst those who showed off some super handling before Nonu provided the final pass for Piri Weepu.
The scrum-half's victory dance raised a few eyebrows and must have disturbed Willie Ripia, who missed an easy conversion.
Nonu was again in the mix ten minutes later, touching down his second try, and eighth of the season to put him top of the scoring charts.
Surprise
The Reds had yet to look dangerous and it came almost as a surprise when Quade Cooper pulled a try back for the hosts.
The Wallaby produced a moment of magic to step, twist and twirl his way past five Hurricanes defenders in hardly any space to somehow sneak over. Barnes provided a pearl of a conversion to make it 7-17.
The 'Canes struck right back though, as Cory Jane scored the bonus-point try with Nonu once again involved in the build-up.
The Reds bravely battled on, Ben Lucas diving head first into the centre of a ruck to somehow touch down just before the break in Brisbane.
Thrilling move
But Jeremy Thrush rounded off another thrilling Hurricanes move that before Ripia converted to restore a 17-point gap.
The Reds would dominate the next ten minutes, and despite some ferocious defending, Mark McLinden hit the line at pace to run in.
With five tries in the bag already the Hurricanes went into their shells and kept it tight. Two long-range penalties from Ripia were enough to extend the lead.
A Brando Va'aulu intercept effort with eight minutes to play added some spice to the closing stages, though by then the 'Canes already knew they were certain to reach the knockout stages.
