Following the Hurricanes’ impressive 34-17 win over the Waratahs on Friday in Super Rugby Pacific, Planet Rugby has selected five takeaways from the clash.

Class difference

The Waratahs started the game very well, holding possession for an extended period in the opening minutes. The Hurricanes were calm and made their tackles for the most part, just keeping themselves in the game.

The Sydney men pounced on a mistake from Julian Savea and capitalised through a Nemani Nadolo try before Max Jorgensen showed his worth minutes later.

However, the composure of the ‘Canes paid off as the side came out brilliantly in the second period and grabbed the match by the scruff of the neck. The hosts took the game away from the Waratahs with two tries in four minutes courtesy of Cam Roigard and Kini Naholo, brother of former All Black Waisake.

It was not a shocking performance by any means from the New South Wales side but one that underlined how far they are from the 80-minute showings needed to challenge the top sides in the competition as they declared their desire before the season started.

On the other side, the ‘Canes march on and look to be improving with every minute. There is still a way to go to reach the top, though.

Roigard brilliance

A shining light in the Hurricanes season this year has been scrum-half Roigard, who once again produced another blockbuster performance, complete with a brace of tries. With veteran TJ Perenara sidelined, the star has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

His distribution is sound, kicking game more than adequate, but what is interesting to see is the X-factor he brings. Take his first try, for example, the ball is messy, and he is retreating to collect it only to turn around and storm through the defensive line to power over. It was brilliant. His second try came from outstanding support play and it was a solid effort to actually ground the ball.

With the great Perenara whispering in his ear as the season goes on, one can only expect the star to continue growing.

Waratahs missed Tane Edmed

Outside of the try scored by Jorgensen, the Waratahs were not potent enough with their attack. Sure, some creative plays worked, but nothing was executed well enough to penetrate a solid Hurricanes defence.

Ben Donaldson is a great player, and shifting him to fly-half was to make space for an exciting back-three which is all good and well but if there is no balance, the effectiveness of the backline is reduced. Nadolo scored a gift, and Jorgensen produced a miracle, nothing as a result of a well-managed backline.

With Edmed at 10 and Donaldson at full-back there was a lot more balance. Edmed has looked mature and confident, he takes the ball to the line and plays forward runners a lot better.

The solution may not even be both players on the field, but it surely is time to throw support behind Edmed.

Langi Gleeson shines so bright

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones’ biggest take home from this clash is the performance of Gleeson. The number eight has been simply brilliant this season and showed that again in this clash.

He made nine tackles, won a turnover and made over 100 metres with ball in hand courtesy of a well-taken interception.

It is mind-blowing to think that Gleeson is only 21 years old, and if he continues to perform like this, he may book himself a ticket to France later this year.

Remember the name Max Jorgensen

The Waratahs teenager threw his name in lights in round one as he bagged a hat-trick on debut and has not looked back since as he became the first player in the club’s history to score in their first three appearances.

That came after the starlet produced one of the finishes of the season as he received the ball down the left-hand side with not much space to work with. He headed for the corner and was bundled out by the corner flag. However, slow-motion replays showed Jorgensen somehow managed to ground the ball in an amazing effort.

There is something truly special about this young star, and we get the feeling his name will be heard for many years to come.

READ MORE: WATCH: Kini Naholo’s superb finish in Hurricanes’ victory over Waratahs

The article Super Rugby Pacific: Five takeaways from Hurricanes v Waratahs, including Cam Roigard’s sparkling performance appeared first on Planetrugby.com.