Dawn Dunn talks Canes loss in Durban
This match had me a little worried due to the number of All Blacks in the side (T.J Perenara, Julian Savea, Cory Jane, Ben Franks, and Conrad Smith etc). Hurricanes Coach, Mark Hammett, was very quiet in the week leading up to the match. For me, this match was going to be a true test of how far our team has progressed. Well, I could have saved myself quite a bit of stress because the Great White is definitely in control!
The Ugly
I am still trying to figure out how the ref, Andrew Lees, was making sense of the breakdown. Hurricane players were allowed to go completely off their feet and were not supporting their own body weight! Sharks players were penalised very quickly for the same infringement. There are new rules with regards to the scrumhalf. He has to be allowed to clear the ball completely, before he can be tackled. A few times, the Hurricanes did not show clear release and the ref was oblivious. I really think that it is past time for referees to follow 1 set of rules. #Gatvol
It will be interesting to see if SANZAR ref manager, Bray has anything to say this week.
The Bad
Considering the boys dominance in the match, we should have scored a lot more tries. The boys did not capitalise enough on their opportunities. I really hope that we are not made to regret the lack of a bonus point, as we have a bye next week and will no longer get the standard 4 log points for it. Only time will time will tell there.
The Good
Congratulations to Willem Alberts for earning a really amazing 50th Vodacom Super Rugby Cap. He has made me and the Durban regulars, so very happy by celebrating it in the best possible style and powering over to score the first try of the match. Wonderful.
I am really happy with our defensive efforts. We really smashed them in the scrums (I am delighted). Our darling, Lambie has shown an improvement in his kicks at goal. Bismarck had an absolutely monster game and led from the front.
SP Marais had a very good game. Our Fransie just loves to run over defenders and it never fails to entertain. Mvovo, aka The Blitz, is incredible. His intercept try was a thing of beauty!
He ran 35 meters and did not even break a sweat. He is just amazing, I’m Looking forward to seeing more of that from him. It was just lovely to see so many families at the game. The atmosphere during the match was electric. I just love the fireworks! Once again, a very big thank you to the fans for the amazing support.
(File photo:Gallo Images)
- Dawn Dunn