Hurricanes Secure Top Spot with Dominant Display Against Highlanders
In a crucial Super Rugby Pacific showdown, the Hurricanes hosted the Highlanders in round 15, with the home side aiming to finish atop the table and secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Despite the Highlanders coming out firing, Jordie Barrett rallied his Hurricanes troops with an early speech, and the Wellington-based side never looked back, cruising to a convincing 41-14 victory.
The blustery Wellington conditions played a significant role in the contest, with the swirling winds adding an extra challenge for both teams. Ajay Faleafaga got the Highlanders off to a strong start, landing a 50-22 kick, and it took just two phases for the visitors to find a gap in the Hurricanes’ defense, with Billy Harmon’s offload setting up Matt Whaanga to power over the line, dragging Jordie Barrett with him.
The Hurricanes were quick to respond, with Barrett’s improved attacking skills on full display as he whipped a long pass to find Asafo Aumua on the wing. The returning hooker shrugged off his first defender before finding milestone man Salesi Rayasi, who crossed the whitewash. The Hurricanes’ forward pack then took over, with Du’Plessis Kirifi diving under three defenders to score, followed by TJ Perenara extending his record as Super Rugby’s all-time top try-scorer.
“The Hurricanes’ forward pack then took over, with Du’Plessis Kirifi diving under three defenders to score, followed by TJ Perenara extending his record as Super Rugby’s all-time top try-scorer.”
Rayasi crossed the line again, and despite a late score from the Highlanders through Fabian Holland, the Hurricanes continued to dominate, with Kirifi powering through two front rowers for another try. The home side’s domination continued in the second half, with Rayasi completing his hat-trick and Brayden Iose scoring off the back of a scrum.
- Ajay Faleafaga’s 50-22 kick
- Billy Harmon’s offload setting up Matt Whaanga
- Asafo Aumua’s try-scoring run
- Salesi Rayasi’s brace of tries
- Du’Plessis Kirifi’s two tries
The final quarter saw the pace of the game take its toll, with both teams struggling to maintain their intensity. However, the Hurricanes’ comfortable lead was never in doubt, as they secured a crucial victory and the top spot in the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
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