After 2-3 weeks of superb early autumn weather (continuous sunshine and warm temperatures), the day of the Hurricanes v Chiefs match saw light rain falling at times. It was to be our first visit as a family to the Westpac Stadium this season. As we walked towards the ground after dining at Burger King, we started to wonder how much fun it might be sitting in uncovered seats if the drizzle we were then experiencing didn't let up. Our seats were a little wet before we parked ourselves down, but by then the rain had completely stopped and stayed away for the duration of the match.

The Hurricanes were at this stage in the top four on the Super 12 table, having won their last three matches including their two in South Africa from which they'd just returned. Four wins in a row would equal their "previous best accomplishment" in seven years in this competition. The Chiefs meantime were near the other end of the table, but certainly not to be treated lightly. The matches they'd lost had all been reasonably close.

The match was a little scrappy and damp conditions underfoot resulted in players slipping more than usual. It was well into the first half before the home team scored first points and, at half-time, they were in front by 10-7. In the second half the Chiefs went ahead briefly at 14-10 before the Hurricanes retook the lead, 17-14. The visitors then dominated play for long periods but gained no more points. With less than six minutes to play, the home team broke through for their third try to seal their win at 24-14.

It wasn't the Hurricanes at their brilliant best, but the important thing is that they won! This means that as at the end of March they are in second place on the Super 12 table with 20 points, but having played one more game than the third-placed Crusaders just one point behind!

- Malcolm Sparrow