The Western Force’s three-game New Zealand tour has ended in defeat, going down 31-23 to the Hurricanes at McLean Park in Napier on Friday night.
The Force led at half-time for the fourth straight game but couldn’t convert that into victory as the Hurricanes’ stacked bench switched the momentum.
The WA side actually led 11-5 early in the second half after Ben Donaldson’s second penalty, before the Hurricanes piled on four unanswered tries inside 20 minutes that turned the game.
The Force rallied with Darby Lancaster’s second try and another from Lopeti Faifua but it was too little, too late, even for a bonus point missing out by one.
The Hurricanes have now won their past eight games at McLean Park in Napier.
The Force were outstanding in the first half, combining good discipline with determined defence and some attacking spark from Lancaster while Kurtley Beale was excellent with his go-forward in the midfield.
But the penalties mounted in the second half as the Hurricanes’ explosive bench made their mark for a five-tries-to-three triumph.
The Force weathered the early Hurricanes pressure, Cam Roigard almost inveting a try before a lineout steal 15m from the home side’s try line.
The WA side opened the scoring in the 22nd minute via a Donaldson penalty from straight in front after the Force came up fruitless from a 10m lineout and 10m scrum.
Six minutes later, winger Lancaster got the first try with fast feet to get in down the left edge following 10 phases of Force attacking pressure.
After Beale’s marauding run from the restart, the Hurricanes then earned territory after Donaldson dropped a high ball, eventually ending in Roigard dotting with a feign before a pick and go.
Donaldson threatened again after the break, slicing through the Canes defence, before settling for a second penalty to go up 11-5 as the home side turned to their reinforcements with a flood of changes.
The Hurricanes reserves switched the momentum almost immediately. Fehi Fineanganofo crossed, but was denied for a forward pass. But moments later, 100-gamer Brad Shields barged over the resolute Force defence.
A few minutes later, the Hurricanes moved 19-11 up after Harkin’s clever kick and run, with Roigard’s quick tap leading to Devan Flanders scoring.
The Hurricanes kept pressing, with the Force valiant in defence but unable to stop Harkin’s powerful line for the hosts’ fourth try. Barrett converted.
The home side were reduced to 14 when Isaia Walker-Leawera was binned for a head shot on Darcy Swain but the Hurricanes kept scoring.
Donaldson’s clearing kick was charged down by reserve lock Warner Dearns who scooped it up to score for a 31-11 lead.
Nathan Hastie produced a spark, committing to a high ball as the Force rebounded and switched play to the left for Lancaster’s second.
It was Hastie again who initiated the next Force try, unleashing a monster 50-22 before Lopeti Faifua jumped over the try line. Donaldson added the extras for 31-23.
The Force have the Round 6 bye before hosting the Chiefs in Round 7 on Saturday 28 March at HBF Park in the Club's Grass Roots Game. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Hurricanes 31
Tries: Roigard (35’), Shields (48’), Flanders (52’), Harkin (60’), Dearns (67’)
Conversions: Barrett 3/5
Penalties: Nil
Western Force 23
Tries: Lancaster (28’, 68’), Faifua (73’)
Conversions: Donaldson 1/3
Penalties: Donaldson 2/2
@ McLean Park, Napier
