Hurricanes Edge The Bulls To Set Up Semi-Final Date With The Crusaders
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The Hurricanes setup a semi-final showdown with the Crusaders, as they brushed aside the Bulls 35-28 in a bruising encounter in Wellington.
The two teams felt each other out in the first 10 minutes and it was the 11th minute we saw our first points as Beauden Barrett opted to kick for poles.
Two minutes later the Bulls scored the first try of the match as they setup a back line move from the lineup and it was Jesse Kriel who broke the Hurricanes backs and put Gelant away in the corner.
Three minutes later, TJ Peranara got himself a try and this momentum carried on for a bit as Ben Lam and Salesi Rayasi also scored a few minutes apart.
Towards the end of the half did make it a 10 point game as Cornal Hendricks produced a bit of individual magic to score a 1 vs 4 to make sure the Bulls go into the break 24-14 behind.
This would be one of the best comeback stories in test rugby 🙌#SuperRugby #HURvBUL https://t.co/EbZF6EDDx8
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 22, 2019
The Hurricanes started the second with a lot of energy and had plenty of ball in hand but they struggled to turn any of that possession into points.
In the 43rd minute Handre Pollard failed to collect an up and under and that allowed the Canes to collect the ball, which saw them move it wide and it ended up with Rayasi scoring his second try of the match.
The Bulls were awarded a penalty try in the 51st minute as Rayasi stuck his hand out to deny the Pretoria side a definite try, the winger also got given a yellow for his action.
In the 55th minute, the Canes managed to extend lead to 11 points with a penalty which was kicked by Jordie Barrett, but that lead didn't last long as Hendricks scored his second try in the game to bring it back to a 4 point game.
The last score of the game was in the 64th minute, as Jordie Barrett made it a seven-point game again with a penalty conversion.
The Bulls threw everything possible at the Hurricanes for the rest of the match but they could not break the New Zealanders dogged defense which eventually got them over the line 35-28 at the Cake Tin.
Top Performers:
Ardie Savea: his usual robust and abrasive self with some powerful carries and a constant threat at the breakdown winning crucial turnover in his own 22 with a little over a minute to play.
TJ Perenara: livewire throughout always looking for a snipe and had some decent breaks. Put in some good grubbers and chips ahead.
Cornal Hendricks: Limited opportunities but finished two tries superbly showing great strength and determination.
Highlights:
