It was all a matter of time for the Hurricanes as they walked onto Westpac Stadium for their Round 4 Super Rugby encounter with the Cheetahs from South Africa. Not only was it Conrad Smith's 100th game, the Hurricanes were hoping that the impending Cyclone Lusi from the north would stay away until after the game was completed close to 6:30pm.
As it was, the game was played in fine conditions and it was a shame that there was not a bigger crowd for this game - perhaps spooked by fears of the impending cyclone and poor recent results by the home team. For this was a game where the Hurricanes definitely went a long way in answering their critics - with some assistance from the referees.
The Hurricanes were much better this weekend but perhaps the 60-27 scoreline did flatter them a bit as the Cheetahs were highly competitive in the 1st half, twice taking the lead. However, ill discipline early in the 2nd half cost them badly when they were only a few points down and they never recovered.
For Conrad Smith, it was the most fitting way to bring up 100 and he can celebrate that milestone while the storm just about hits Wellington tonight.
Are the Canes back as title contenders? Well, let's wait till Lusi passes.
Highlights from the game -
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