The Highlanders failed to score their first win against the Hurricanes since they won the Super Rugby final in 2015. A crucial 17-11 win for the Hurricanes, their second of the competition, keeps them in touch with the top two sides
A try of both teams was not allowed in the first 5 minutes of the game. The Highlanders started fast and dominated the early part of the first quarter, while the Hurricanes dominated in the last 10 minutes. The score at the end of the first quarter level at 0-0.
The Hurricanes gradually gained the upper hand in the second quarter and made the breakthrough just before the half-hour with a try to TJ Perenara. Kobus Van Wyk scored just minutes later to consolidate the Hurricanes lead. It is the Hurricanes in control by 12-0 over the Highlanders at the halftime break.
The Hurricanes continued their dominance in the third quarter to score their third try to stretch their lead to 17-0. A try and a converted penalty by the Highlanders in the last five minutes of the third quarter opened up the game. The Hurricanes were still in the lead with 17-8 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth and last quarter was not played at the same pace as the first three quarters. A converted penalty by the Highlanders with a minute to go on the clock, narrowed the Hurricanes lead to 17-11. In the end, it was too little, too late for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders will play the Chiefs, while the Hurricanes will face the Blues next weekend. The game between the Hurricanes and the Blues will be a battle for the number 2 position on the log.
Scorers:
Highlanders: Try: Aaron Smith. Penalty: Mitch Hunt
Hurricanes: Tries: TJ Perenara, Kobus van Wyk, Devan Flanders. Conversion: Jordie Barrett.
Highlanders: 1. Ayden Johnstone, 2. Ash Dixon (cc), 3. Siate Tokolahi, 4. Pari Pari Parkinson, 5. Jack Whetton, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Dillon Hunt, 8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 9. Aaron Smith (cc), 10. Mitch Hunt, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Patelesio Tomkinson, 13. Rob Thompson, 14. Scott Gregory, 15. Michael Collins. Replacements: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Jeff Thwaites, 19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20. Jesse Parete, 21. Kayne Hammington, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. Teariki Ben-Nicholas.
The Hurricanes: 1. Ben May, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. James Blackwell, 5. Scott Scrafton, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. TJ Perenara (C), 10. Fletcher Smith, 11. Ben Lam, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Vince Aso, 14. Kobus Van Wyk, 15. Jordie Barrett. Replacements: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Alex Fidow, 19. Vaea Fifita, 20. Murphy Taramai, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Billy Proctor, 23. Wes Goosen.