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An all-Kiwi affair in Tens finale
By Ben Smith
A classic rivalry will be renewed as a young Blues side have made their way into the final on the back of a 22-10 victory over the Reds and the Hurricanes completed a turnaround over the Crusaders in the Brisbane Tens semi-finals.
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The Reds started the day winless but managed to win their last pool game against the Wild Knights and qualify for the quarterfinals. They upset the favoured Chiefs 19-7 with two controversial tries given to the home side. Going in at halftime the game was locked at 7-apiece, but the Reds ran away with it.
The Reds scored early against the Blues in the semi-final with an intercept try to young fullback Jayden Ngamanu but it was all the Blues from that point on. Jordan Trainor made a long break from halfway before feeding halfback Sam Nock on the inside to spark the Blues revival.
Jordan Olsen scored the second after Nock made a decent break from the scrum base before Kurt Eckland scored a decisive third for the Blues down a short-side play close to the line. Hooker Andrew Ready hit back for the Reds before Dalton Papalii put it beyond doubt at 22-10.
The Hurricanes managed to hold out in a high-scoring affair against the Waratahs after taking a 28-7 lead with eight minutes to go. Naiyarovovo led the comeback with an intercept and set up another before a Malo Tuitama try sealed a 35-26 victory.
The Hurricanes continued their form into the semi-final where they opened the scoring with Jamie Booth following an Alex Fidow break. The Crusaders hit back with a try to George Bridge before another try to Jamie Booth who pounced on a loose pass and kicked ahead to score. Stout defence by the Canes held their 14-5 lead going into the sheds.
Manasa Mataele scored midway through the second stanza following a poor kick option inside the Crusaders 22 by the Hurricanes. Mataele raced away to put the Crusaders within striking distance down 14-10 but they couldn’t find a way through. The Hurricanes were particularly impressive at disrupting their lineout.
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The Hurricanes and Blues will meet in the final at 8 pm local time.
Latest Comments
The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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