Everybody happy in Mangatainoka? You betcha

[blueandblack]

Forty minutes of slick execution suggested the Chiefs backline are set to sizzle during the upcoming Super Rugby season. Conversely, a gutsy 35-31 win hinted the Hurricanes under new coach Mark Hammett won't lie down without a fight.

Everybody, including a merry crowd of 6500 revellers, left with a satisfied smile yesterday, but it was hard to go past the Chiefs' opening blast and the first-half brace to irrepressible fullback Tim Nanai-Williams.

With a mountain of possession, halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow and first five-eighths Mike Delany had their backline fizzing with wing Ashee Tuala looking good and a beefed-up Lelia Masaga having his moments.
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"We wanted to give guys a decent chunk of time," Foster said after leaving the same side on the track for the first half. "Pre-season you can chop and change too much and guys don't settle in, so the idea was to give that team a good hit out in the first 40.

"We took a lot of confidence out of the shape we got from that. Even though the Hurricanes came back well and controlled possession in that third quarter, there were some good lessons for us today."

Nanai-Williams in particular was a constant threat and with Mils Muliaina still to return a selection headache could loom later in the season.

Hammett acknowledged the Chiefs had set the pace, but was pleased to see his side make adjustments in the second spell.

"The score's obviously irrelevant. The Chiefs threw a lot at us in that first half, but where we need to build on is just our line speed and communication. In the second half I thought we did that, which was pleasing.

"There was a message at halftime to start cutting guys down at the knees and get a bit more line speed."

Kerr-Barlow made a strong statement with a skilful display including some sharp passing to shade second half No9 Brendon Leonard.

For the Hurricanes, Taranaki's Beauden Barrett showed himself as an impressive talent.

Hurricanes 35 (J Hayward J Broadhurst 2 A Taylor A Leiua tries, D Kirkpatrick con Taylor 2 con B Barrett 2 con) Chiefs 31 (T Nanai-Williams 2 B May T Renata S Pane tries, M Delany con Nanai-Williams 2 con)

http://www.watoday.com.au/rugby-unio...130-1a9cl.html

[Burgs]

Must be nice to have a trial match to watch...

[The InnFORCEr]

Me and Bert at said ground in 2010. I almost jumped the white fence for the photo which would have seen me fry on the electric fence behind. It's just up/down the road from the Tui Brewery bro!

[Burgs]

By "behind" are you refering to the pretty white tape above the wooden rails or was there a second electric fence?

If not recognising the former as electrified I have to admit, if there, I would have been encouraging you to do it and then ROFLing afterwards

[The InnFORCEr]

By "behind" are you refering to the pretty white tape above the wooden rails or was there a second electric fence?

If not recognising the former as electrified I have to admit, if there, I would have been encouraging you to do it and then ROFLing afterwards

The electric bit can just be seen about mid way through the wrought iron design on the gate running from one side to the other. I was actually up on top of the gate about to jump when I noticed the wire!

[Burgs]

Damn! The white tape bit above the wooden rails on the right of photo is also electric! If only I had been there...

[shasta]

Me and Bert at said ground in 2010.

Choice grandstand, Bro.

[Burgs]

Better view per seat than anything the Force has played in front of in WA as yet

[shasta]

Better view per seat than anything the Force has played in front of in WA as yet

[Burgs]

Sorry, should have just said Subiaco to keep it humorous not politically sensitive...

[shasta]

Sorry, should have just said Subiaco to keep it humorous not politically sensitive...