Super Rugby: Depleted Hurricanes too good for Reds
Last Updated: 14/05/16 11:43am
The Wellington Hurricanes overcame five suspensions to record a 29-14 victory over the Queensland Reds courtesy of two tries from Jason Woodward on Saturday.
The Hurricanes, who stood down five players for the match - including three All Blacks - after they breached a team curfew in South Africa last week, were far from their fluent best but did enough to secure a bonus-point victory and stay within a point of the Canterbury Crusaders, Waikato Chiefs and Otago Highlanders.
Blustery winds at Wellington Regional Stadium did not help either team, though the Reds looked the more controlled as the Hurricanes lost their timing at the breakdown, allowing the Reds' Liam Gill to poach the ball numerous times.
But despite a wealth of early possession and territory, the Reds were only rewarded with two Ayumu Goromaru penalties before the break as the home side scored two first-half tries.
Winger Wes Goosen, replacing the suspended Julian Savea, caught a well-judged kick from Beauden Barrett to score in the corner with his first touch of the ball in Super Rugby, before Hurricanes captain Dane Coles also crossed just before the break - crashing over from a rolling maul with the Reds' Hendrik Tui's in the bin for a professional foul.
Their 12-6 half-time lead was reduced to three points by another Goromaru penalty early in the second half only for the Hurricanes to pounce on a loose ball from the Reds, allowing Woodward to kick ahead and score the home side's third try.
Reds winger Chris Feauai-Sautia narrowed the gap to 17-14 shortly afterwards before Hurricanes replacement centre Ngani Laumape crashed through four defenders after an attacking scrum to give his side some breathing room.
Woodward then completed the scoring in injury time when he intercepted the ball inside his own 22-metre area and ran unopposed for his second try.