Match Details

Hurricanes (NZ)

VS

Highlanders (NZ)

22

Wellington Kick off times: 7:35pm (Local) Fri 27 Apr 5:35pm (AEST) Fri 27 Apr

21

A virtuoso display from the previously unwanted flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth proved the inspiration as the Hurricanes beat the Highlanders 22-21 in their Super 14 match at Westpac Stadium.

With little but the Kiwi wooden spoon resting on the match, it was a less than complete performance from both sides, but it was the momentary snatches of class from Gopperth that finally spelled the difference. Too often handling deficiencies frustrated the efforts of both sides.

However, the Highlanders had their chance to embarrass the Hurricanes for failing to make the most of 20 minutes spent in the Highlanders half without scoring a try, when replacement wing Toby Morland scored after five minutes of sustained driving at the Hurricanes line.

But flyhalf Nick Evans', whose impetus finally probed the opening to create the try, was just to the left with his conversion attempt.

It was a game dominated by the pivots, each scoring a try, and both having a significant role in the tactical choices. Gopperth enjoyed the greater opportunities.

He ran into gaps more than was usual and created openings from which the Hurricanes were able to capitalise, if not in points then definitely in field position. He also used his boot assuredly and one well-placed kick almost opened up another try when replacement wing David Smith ran onto the ball at pace.

It was his own imagination that produced the opening try for the Hurricanes just before half-time.

Despite the early sin-binning of centre Tana Umaga for a professional foul in a tackle situation, and the loss of blindside flanker Jason Eaton with a knee injury, both in the first 10 minutes, the Hurricanes got off scot-free.

Their only chance was the penalty attempt by first five-eighths Nick Evans from the Umaga infringement.

Instead, it was Piri Weepu, back at halfback, who put the Hurricanes in front with two penalty goals in the third and 15th minutes.

Evans landed his first soon after to put the visitors on the board.

After 25 minutes the Highlanders backs were ruled within the 10m zone when lock Paul Tito stole an Otago lineout throw and Weepu added his third goal.

A clever piece of thinking by Evans resulted in full benefit from some good following play by lock Tom Donnelly who fielded a kick ahead and set in train three rucks with key contributions from wing Viliame Waqaseduadua and scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan.

Evans scythed through the defence in front of the Hurricanes goalposts and when grounded managed to touch the ball on the base of the goalpost to score the try which he converted to give the Highlanders a 10-9 lead.

After Waqaseduadua failed to hold a kick ahead, it was taken by his opposite Hosea Gear and from the ruck, Gopperth put in a little chip kick. It landed in open space and was toed on by Gopperth. He had to change direction, but maintained control with only fullback James Wilson in the vicinity, he headed him off to win the race to score.

Weepu added a fourth penalty goal two minutes before the break and after the siren Evans added his second goal.

The Highlanders failed to control their own lineout ball three minutes into the second half and paid the price. The ball was moved wide and then as it was worked back across field, Umaga got his hands free to feed prop John Schwalgar. He fed Gear into space and after fending off hooker Anton Oliver he raced in for an unconverted try.

A third Evans penalty goal closed the gap to six points with 26 minutes left.

Hurricanes 22

Tries: Gopperth, Gear

Pen: Weepu 4

Highlanders 21

Tries: Evans, Morland

Con: Evans

Pen: Evans 3

HT: 17-13