The Hurricanes have held on to first place in Super Rugby Pacific with a hard-fought 38-31 win over the Crusaders in Wellington.
In front of a home crowd at Hnry Stadium, the Hurricanes built a strong first-half lead before surviving a late surge from the defending champions.
Wing Fehi Fineanganofo continued his standout season, scoring again to edge closer to the competition’s single-season try record. His 15th try puts him within one of marks set by former players Joe Roff and Ben Lam.
The Crusaders struck first through Leicester Fainga’anuku, who powered over from close range after a strong opening period. However, momentum shifted before halftime as Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard took control.
Roigard set up one try for Josh Moorby and scored another himself, helping the home side to a 24-10 lead at the break.
The visitors responded early in the second half, with halfback Noah Hotham darting over from the base of a scrum to close the gap. But the Hurricanes answered through hooker Raymond Tuputupu, who finished a well-timed run off Roigard to restore control.
Late drama followed when Crusaders flanker Dom Gardiner was awarded a try despite replays suggesting he lost the ball while grounding it. The decision set up a tense final period as the Crusaders pushed for an equaliser.
In the closing minutes, veteran back David Havili, playing his 150th match, opted to kick possession away in a moment that proved costly. The Hurricanes cleared the ball into touch soon after to seal the win.
The result strengthens the Hurricanes’ position at the top of the ladder and underlines their credentials as title contenders, while the Crusaders are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that went down to the wire.
