(Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)
Stephen Donald, who has looked increasingly assured this season, would be challenging Dan Carter for the All Black playmakers role even if the Crusaders pivot was fit and playing this season. His second half try where he broke the Hurricanes vaunted defensive line was decisive.
“Yeah, she’s already pretty brutal against the Canes, we were tired and haven’t been having the best sleeps this week,” Donald remarked after the game.
“In the second half, we found that it was pretty greasy, so we changed tactics, and with players like [Callum] Bruce and Mils [Muliaina] we played a smarter kicking game as the match wore on”.
“Tonight was important; we haven’t won a grind out like this all year. We’ve got to keep proving people wrong.”
“But the rewards are worth it.”
If the Chiefs keep winning like this, and they beat the Brumbies in Hamilton and host a final, the rewards could be the maiden Super 14 title for this outstanding team.
Match Statistics
Chiefs 16
Tries: Donald
Con: Donald 1
Pen: Donald 3
Hurricanes 8
Tries: D Smith
Con: Ripia
Pen: Ripia
Chiefs – Hurricanes
Territory: 56 - 44
Possession: 52 - 48
Breakdowns: 72 - 63
Breakdown T/O: 5 - 4
Infringements: 15 - 16
T/O conceded: 24 - 26
Missed tackles: 23 - 21
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