Nathan will be happy, maybe we might get a match report for this game!
A 33-18 win over the Stormers is a big improvement, with a revamped lineup doing the business after last weeks walloping by the Bulls. (that still makes me smile...although I should shut up until after the Crusaders play them!)
I didn't watch the whole game but had the box on so saw bits and pieces.
I thought Ma'a Nonu, playing in 13 with Tana at 12, was the standout in the backline. He was damn good on the wing against the Crusaders but obviously his ideal spot is closer to the action. He really cut the defense up with his busting runs and turn of pace (he seemed to take really short quick steps to accelerate through the gaps), certainly a man to watch for the future.
Actually while I'm talking about Nonu what is it with the dreadlocked Predator look in the Hurricanes squad?
With Vanisi, Rodney So, Tana and now Nonu this team is starting to look like the hair-bear bunch! They just need to convince Jonah to ditch the troll-doll look and Cully to grow his surfie do.
I thought Holwell played pretty well, his clearing and tactical kicking is damn good. It was also good to see big Tito back on the field, although he didn't appear to do too much other than hurt himself trying to emulate Jerry Collin's search and destroy tackling style.
Tana played pretty well in the 12 jersey too I thought. Alatini has been dropped from the squad since he is missing the SA tour because he and his wife (True Bliss chick?) are expecting a baby shortly (what a softie!
) so they wanted to try and settle their selections leading into that tour.
I hope the Canes fans feel happier now at least, it has to help your confidence to get a bonus point win at home against a team that they have struggled to beat in recent years (5 straight loses prior to this I think) where Cully scores a couple of tries and Jonah at least gets some game time.
With a trip to SA they will need all the confidence they can get!
Jules
