29 Mar 2009

Canes win in Jo'burg

9:58 am on 29 March 2009

The Hurricanes have beaten South Africa's Lions 38 - 32 in their Super 14 rugby game in Johannesburg.

All Black centre Conrad Smith scored the opening try for the visitors under the posts in the sixth minute then got a double just two minutes later when he barged over from close range.

Lions centre Jacques Fourie replied with their first try after sustained pressure shortly afterwards but Hurricanes halfback Albie Mathewson scored on the whistle for the 24 - 11 half time lead.

The Lions struck back with two early tries in the second half to lead by a point.

The home side kept the Hurricanes scoreless for almost half an hour before second five eighth Ma'a Nonu crossed and the visitors' replacement Willie Ripia sealed the win with his first Super 14 try with just five minutes remaining.

The Lions scored again for the try-scoring bonus point on the hooter.

In the early game in Durban, South Africa's Sharks beat the ACT Brumbies 35 - 14.