The Hurricanes have beaten the Highlanders 25-22 in a nail-biting New Zealand Super Rugby derby in Wellington and are top of the log ahead of this weekend’s matches. The Hurricanes led 14-8 at halftime, but had to rely on the boot of All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett who kicked the winning penalty after the final hooter.

In a season marked by upsets, the visiting Highlanders took an early 5-0 lead after a Hurricanes mistake at the back of their scrum. 26 minutes into the game, the Hurricanes eventually found a gap in the visitors’ defence and took the lead. Brilliant spatial awareness by Barrett resulted in a try which secured the half-time lead for the home side.

In the second half, the Highlanders took the lead back after an intercept try and a forward effort close to their opponent’s tryline. A backline move by the Hurricanes brought the scores level. Barrett missed the conversion to take the lead, but his penalty effort after the final hooter secured victory for the home team.

In Melbourne, the Rebels beat the Brumbies 29-26 thanks to stunning second half fight back.
The Brumbies took a 19-3 lead into the break. In the second half, the home side clawed their way back exposing the Brumbies defence when they moved the ball to the right hand side of the field.

The winning try was also the result of this tactic.

The Rebels are unbeaten after three games and second on the overall log ahead of the weekend.