'Canes seal semi-final spot

Subduing the Force's challenge by virtue of a controlled forward display in often abysmal conditions, the Hurricanes kept the pressure on Super 14 semi-final rivals with a 21-10 win at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Demonstrating a rare unity of purpose in the forwards, and backplay that belied the weather, the Hurricanes deserved their win, while the Force's defensive effort ensured the task of getting a vital bonus point was denied the home team.

Early reward for a competent start, notable for some determined ball possession, by the Hurricanes came after 11 minutes when referee Jonathan Kaplan pulled up the Force first five-eighths Matt Giteau who made a throw-in to himself in the 22m area.

Kaplan ruled the ball hadn't traveled five metres and from the free kick the Hurricanes forwards mauled up to the goal-line and it was hooker Andrew Hore who blasted through the static defence to score.

Halfback Piri Weepu added to the penalty goal he had landed four minutes into the game by kicking the conversion.

Giteau had some more moments of anguish as he missed two penalty goals and then kicked too long giving the Hurricanes position 50m further back downfield.

However, he finally found his kicking touch with a penalty goal after 25 minutes.

The Hurricanes continued to demonstrate solid intent and both prop Neemia Tialata and first five-eighths Willie Ripia went close to driving over the line, Tialata only missing out with the television match official unable to see the ball grounded over the line.

Camping in the Force 22m area, and landing two penalty goals through Weepu in the third quarter, the Hurricanes couldn't break the Force defences.

But the try drought broke when the Force failed to control ball on a rare excursion into Hurricanes territory. Ripia cleared it back down into the Force 22m area and from the Force throw, flanker Scott Waldrom was able to take the ill-directed throw.

From the ruck, the ball was moved quickly through the backline and right wing Hosea Gear got over unmarked out wide in the 62nd minute.

Lock Jeremy Thrush had an outstanding game in the tight-loose until substituted but once again it was Hore who best demonstrated the consistent commitment in the tight with Tialata also more involved. Flanker Waldrom also showed the benefit of more consistent matchplay.

It wasn't a night for the visitors to shine but some reward came when fullback Cameron Shepherd scored a try after a kick and chase from 50 metres out from a tap penalty. But it had no effect on the outcome coming three minutes before the end.

Scorers:

Hurricanes 21

Tries: Hore, Gear
Con: Weepu
Pen: Weepu 3

Force 10

Try: Shepherd
Con: Giteau
Pen: Giteau

HT: 10-3