Analysis: The Chiefs No.10 starred again against the Hurricanes but a risky decision at the end of regulation time could have backfired, writes Patrick McKendry.
It was Damian McKenzie’s charged-down dropped goal attempt in extra time which set up the crucial try in the Chiefs’ dramatic win over the Hurricanes at Waikato Stadium last night.
Earlier, the home side’s No.10 was in the spotlight at the end of regulation time, too, as he rolled the dice on a risky break in his own territory that also went his way but could have cost his team the game.
Retrieving a deep kick by Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard as the siren sounded on 80 minutes and with the score locked at 17-17, the isolated McKenzie attempted to break through the defence and was tackled by centre Billy Proctor, with replacement outside back Jone Rova quickly over the ball in an attempt to win the turnover.
However, despite McKenzie failing to release the ball under pressure from Rova, and with Roigard, Proctor and teammates Fehi Fineanganofo and Jordie Barrett appealing for a penalty in front of the posts, referee Ben O’Keeffe allowed play to continue and the Chiefs eventually cleared the ball for fulltime via McKenzie.
It was a hugely significant moment as a penalty would have given the Hurricanes a straightforward shot at goal for the victory.
Sky Sports’ broadcast showed Hurricanes coaches Clark Laidlaw, Jason Holland and Jamie Mackintosh leaving their seats in frustration at O’Keeffe’s decision, or lack of one.
Instead of a penalty, the game went to extra-time which the Chiefs dominated and sealed via loose forward Wallace Sititi thanks to his alertness near the posts after McKenzie’s dropped goal attempt was partly charged down by Hurricanes lock Warner Dearns.
Earlier, the Chiefs got to even terms after a well-finished converted try by Daniel Sinkinson with eight minutes remaining after the Hurricanes, who had looked in control at that point, rolled the dice on a midfield move, lost the ball, and wing Leroy Carter swept upfield and offloaded to outside back Sinkinson.
The Chiefs’ victory was their fourth in succession and it lifted them above the Hurricanes on top of the table thanks to a superior points differential (although they have played one more game than their rivals).
They displayed grit and composure to respond to a 12-3 halftime deficit.
But while McKenzie’s option taking for the final act of the match could not be faulted, his decision to keep attacking and risk a penalty after the siren, only to kick the ball dead two rucks later, once again highlighted the capricious nature of a player hoping to impress new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie ahead of a big year of international rugby.
Pressure on Crusaders
Speaking of losing healthy halftime leads, in last night’s late game the Crusaders appeared to be in charge 19-7 at the break against the Force in Perth only to lose 31-26.
The defeat kept them in sixth place on the table and was their fifth loss of the season.
Significantly, it was their third loss to an Australian team, with the Brumbies (in Christchurch) and Reds (in Brisbane) also enjoying success against the defending champions.
Last night the Crusaders showed what for them will be a worrying vulnerability to the driving maul and they were weak defensively in the outside channels.
But they also suffered misfortune.
After it appeared that wing Macca Springer had scored to level the score at 31-31 with less than five minutes remaining, an intervention which would have given the visitors the chance to win the game with a successful conversion, the television match official found a hint of a knock-on from Sevu Reece in the build-up after a loose ball may have grazed his elbow and so the try was ruled out.
As if the occasion needed it, the Crusaders will now have even more scrutiny on their first ever match at their new Te Kaha stadium in central Christchurch on Friday night when they take on the Waratahs, who are one place below them in seventh.
The Crusaders have yet to beat an Australian side this year and face a long trip back from Western Australia. The Waratahs, meanwhile, comfortably accounted for Moana Pasifika 29-14 in Sydney on Friday night.
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