The Hurricanes have solidified their spot on top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a 38-31 win over the Crusaders.
The win sees them leap ahead of the Chiefs, currently on a bye, while denting the defending champions’ home final hopes.
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The focus heading in was on the battle of the open side flankers, with Leicester Fainga’anuku and Du’Plessis Kirifi dominating early.
Fainga’anuku struck first for the Crusaders from close, crashing over the line after eight minutes.
Kirifi almost hit straight back with a 50-22; however, he found himself on the scoreboard shortly afterwards to level the scores.
The All Black gave the Crusaders a chance to level the scores at 10-all after he was pinged for not rolling away.
As the half came to an end, the Hurricanes went to work, scoring twice in a third-minute period.
It started with Billy Proctor and Peter Lakai combining to put Josh Moorby over, with Brayden Iose’s chip for Cam Roigard delivering a 24-10 lead at half-time.
Both teams trading tries to start the half, with Noah Hotham’s dart answered by replacement Hurricanes hooker Raymond Tuputupu for the instant response.
The impact of Rivez Reihana was massive off the bench, striking with 20 minutes to go to bring it back to a converted try.
Fehi Fineanganofo restored their advantage with his 15th try of the year, despite conjectures from the visitors of a forward pass that initially was picked up by the TMO, but cleared by James Doleman.
It leaves the winger one short of the all-time single second record held by Ben Lam and Joe Roff.
But the Crusaders weren’t able to die wondering, Dom Gardiner crashing over under the posts with three minutes to go to set up the tense finish.
Macca Springer nearly sent the game into extra time with a break inside Hurricanes half, only for the offload to find the hands of the hosts.
With the siren sounding, David Havili’s bold cross-field kick on halfway ended their hopes as the Hurricanes go top of the ladder.
