Hurricanes

Blues capitalise on Hurricanes ill-discipline

The home side took the lead in the second minute of the game when Ben Lam scored the opening try, but their advantage was temporarily wiped out when Akira Ioane scored a try converted by Otere Black four minutes before half-time.

However a late penalty gave the Hurricanes a 8-7 lead at half-time.

In the second half ill-discipline cost the Hurricanes as they were reduced to 14 men just after half-time when Tyrell Lomax was red carded for a dangerous tackle.

Hurricanes wing Ben Lam departing to French club after Super Rugby season

Bordeaux announced on their website this morning they had signed the 28-year-old for two seasons with his contract ending in June 2022.

Lam's acquisition comes as a replacement for former NRL star and Fijian powerhouse Semi Radradra who is leaving the Top 14 club after signing a deal with the Bristol Bears in the UK.

Lam turned heads in 2018 when he finished that year's Super Rugby season as the competition's top try-scorer, crossing the line 16 times.

Stormers blow Hurricanes away

The Hurricanes made too many unforced errors in what was a forgettable performance from the New Zealand side, who tried to play a physical game that was not matched by skill.

They lost centre Billy Proctor and flank Vaea Fifita to yellow cards, while Riccitelli was also fortunate to escape sanction for his late hit on Kolisi.

The Stormers will be sweating over the fitness of Siya Kolisi who was forced off in the first half.

All Blacks Sam Cane to captain Chiefs for 2020 season

Cane has co-captained alongside Charlie Ngatai, Aaron Cruden and Brodie Retallick for the past four seasons, but will take the reins on his own this year. 

"Sam has co-captained the Chiefs since 2016," explained Gatland. "He is an experienced campaigner who is well respected by the players and management. 

"We believe it was important to identify one person this season to lead the team and that individual would be supported by the team's leadership group."

Hurricanes announce new head coach in the wake of John Plumtree's promotion to the All Blacks

Holland, who has been a successful and widely respected assistant coach at the Hurricanes since 2016, takes over his new role with immediate effect.

The 47-year-old has helped the Hurricanes make the Investec Super Rugby play-offs in every season he has been involved with the club, first as an assistant to Chris Boyd and then with Plumtree at the helm in 2019.

The former Manawatu and Taranaki representative enjoyed a successful playing career in New Zealand before he made 102 appearances for top Ireland club Munster between 1999 and 2008.

Beauden Barrett to join Blues next year

Barrett – a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year – has penned a four-year contract to keep him in New Zealand through to the end of the 2023 World Cup.

But the 28-year-old and 73-cap New Zealand international will represent the Blues at club level from 2020, leaving Super Rugby rivals the Hurricanes, where he broke through in 2011.

The complex new contract will see first five-eighth Barrett join the Blues midway through the 2020 season, however, as he takes an extended break from rugby at the end of this year.

Hurricanes hoping Proctor fit in time

Proctor injured a chest muscle against the Sharks earlier this month and hasn't appeared for the side since then.

He played club rugby at the weekend and Hurricanes assistant coach Carlos Spencer said he was being considered for the semi-final.

"Matt got through club rugby on the weekend, which is really positive. We'll just see how he tracks over the next couple of days," Spencer said.

Peter Umaga-Jensen started for the Hurricanes in the 35-28 quarter-final victory against the Bulls.

TJ Perenara returns to lead against Blues

Perenara missed the Hurricanes 29-19 win over the Rebels last Saturday as he had the second of his All Black rest weeks but returns for what will be his 121st appearance for the club.

Wing Ben Lam also returns after a two week absence because of a calf strain while Toby Smith has been named at loosehead prop in in the only other changes to the starting XV.

Lam's inclusion sees Chase Tiatia move to the bench while Richard Judd, who started at halfback against the Rebels, drops out of the match-day squad after he suffered a minor shoulder injury.

All Blacks trio spark Canes to win

Jordie Barrett, brother Beauden and flanker Ardie Savea returned from an All Blacks rest week to fire up the Hurricanes, who could only draw 23-23 with the Chiefs at their last meeting in March.

Jordie reminded All Blacks coach Steve Hansen of his World Cup aspirations as Hansen looks at the makeup of his back three for the tournament in Japan after utility back Damian McKenzie ruptured a knee ligament and was ruled out for the rest of the year.

Crusaders capitalise on Canes' mistakes

Will Jordan and Braydon Ennor also crossed for the visitors who moved to 24 points on the table, giving themselves some breathing room ahead of the Hurricanes (19) at the top of the New Zealand conference.

Ngani Laumape scored the Hurricanes' only try in the match in which both sides committed numerous errors while the Crusaders defence forced several turnovers when the hosts were on attack.