Super Rugby defending champions Wellington Hurricanes were too clinical for Northern Bulls in Pretoria Saturday and won 34-20 despite lacking star fly-half Beauden Barrett.
There was no immediate explanation as to why the All Black withdrew from the line-up at the last minute on his 26th birthday, and acted as a “water boy” instead.
The successor to retired New Zealand rugby legend Dan Carter, Barrett is set to a key figure when the All Blacks confront the British and Irish Lions next month.
Otere Black came in at fly-half and kicked two conversions and a penalty while full-back Jordie Barrett, a brother of Beauden, kicked a conversion.
Hurricanes scored a five-try-to-two victory over the troubled South African side before a small Loftus Versfeld stadium crowd to remain second in the New Zealand standings.
It was the seventh loss in the last nine matches for Bulls, who reacted to a dismal season by naming former All Blacks coach John Mitchell as executive of rugby this week.
He takes control of the three-time former Super Rugby champions from Nollis Marais, who will continue as an assistant coach amid stinging criticism of his methods.
The influence of Mitchell on the Pretoria outfit will be felt only next season, however, as he continues to coach the United States for June Tests against Ireland and Georgia.
“Some big, fat and lazy Bulls are in for a rude shock when John Mitchell marches into Pretoria to crack the whip,” tweeted rugby analyst and author Dan Retief.
Former Bulls and Springboks fly-half Naas Botha, who had called for Marais to be axed, said Bulls offered glimpses of hope against Hurricanes.
“They were better,” he told SuperSport TV, comparing the performance to those in humiliating losses this month to conference leaders Canterbury Crusaders of New Zealand and Golden Lions of South Africa.
“But there were too many mistakes and turnovers and it was inexcusable to lose several line-outs given the talent available, including Springbok Lood de Jager.”
Hurricanes scored 95 seconds after the match started with Jordie Barrett darting down the middle after being set up by prop Loni Uhila.
Debutant winger Duncan Matthews went over at the other end following a clever chip from impressive Burger Odendaal before another centre, Hurricane Ngani Lauampe, scored.
A couple of penalties from fly-half Tian Schoeman, who also slotted a conversion, reduced the deficit to one point before winger Wes Goosen and lock Mark Abbott scored to give Hurricanes a 24-13 half-time lead.
Bulls had plenty of ball in the second half but fell 34-13 behind just part the tour, thanks in part to a try from replacement hooker Leni Apisai.
The South Africans were rewarded four minutes from time when Nick de Jager cut in to score a try which another substitute, Tony Jantjies, converted.
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