25 May 2012

So much promise

Paddy Lewis

27/04/2011 10:05:00 a.m.

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Hurricanes vs Queensland last year. Photo: Matt Duncan.

Hurricanes vs Queensland last year. Photo: Matt Duncan.

I remember being at the Hurricanes’ first match at  Westpac Stadium in 2000.  They beat the Sharks 40-23 and our bunch of bright shiny new season ticket holders thought we were on a winner.
Flash stadium, covered seats, not a bad team, and some good rugby.
Come 11 years later, and last weekend’s result was an almost identical score to that historic first match in the new venue – except this time the Sharks won 40-24, dooming the Canes to Super rugby oblivion for 2011.
With a wealth of talent, the side promised so much, but has delivered little.
It’s all good to have a world-class attacking side, but the major problem this year has been a terrible defensive pattern.
So while it’s bye-bye to the playoffs, the Canes can still be spoilers and with five home games, maybe restore a bit of faith to their long-suffering season ticket holders.  
Here’s hoping the defence improves and the attack remains starting with this week’s game at Westpac Stadium against the Queensland Reds, 30 April.
Sportswriter Paddy Lewis
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Best of Wellington 2011

Fringe Festival

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