‘The boys didn't drop our heads' – Canes bringing the belief back
If nothing else, the Hurricanes' dramatic
24-20 win
over the Highlanders showed just how fine the margins are this Super Rugby Pacific season.
The match was essentially decided on a crooked lineout throw, with the Highlanders gifting the home side the ball as time slipped away, which the Hurricanes eventually turned into a try for the outstanding Cam Roigard.
It's worth remembering this was a Highlanders team that is struggling to avoid coming last, but this was still the second game between the two sides this year that's been decided on the last play of the game.
For Roigard, it was another very assured performance while everything around him was literally falling apart. The Hurricanes' injury toll was almost maxed out at halftime, with both starting wingers and Brayden Iose all leaving the field injured.
Cam Roigard scores a try during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium, Wellington.
Photo:
Marty Melville/Actionpress
"You know it's pretty cool score in front of a lot of fans, yeah I was pretty pumped up," said Roigard post-match.
"It was good that the boys didn't drop our heads, didn't give up. We created an opportunity by competing in that lineout, which ultimately was the difference between us winning and losing.
"How we responded to that was great for us moving forward because there are going to be moments like that when the game's only going to get closer and tougher - especially if we make the finals."
The game also marked a successful return to action for Brett Cameron, who found himself on the field earlier than expected thanks to the backline reshuffle. It also meant he was one of three natural first fives on the field, alongside starting 10 Ruben Love and converted fullback Callum Harkin.
Brett Cameron, left, is tackled by Thomas Umaga-Jensen during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium, Wellington.
Photo:
Marty Melville/Actionpress
"I felt like I had a decent amount of rugby under my belt before today," said Cameron, who had turned out in two club games over the last fortnight.
"It would've been probably ideal was coming off the bench for a few minutes today, but obviously we had a few dings early in that first half. But it was good to get a decent stint in."
Cameron has made an earlier than expected recovery from a serious knee injury, so now will compete with Love for the starting first five position.
"It's just credit to our medical staff, they're unbelievable. They create a bit of a culture with the boys in terms of wanting to get back in and work hard to get back early. I guess it shows like how much we love this team and, it's awesome to get back early."
The win means the Hurricanes now sit fifth, three points ahead of the Blues and two behind the Reds, who they meet next Friday in Brisbane.
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