The Hurricanes have handed the Crusaders their first loss at home since 2016, coming away with a 34-32 win to keep the Super Rugby Aotearoa season well and truly alive.
It’s the Hurricanes fourth consecutive win while it’s the Crusaders first loss of the season.
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It was all go from start to finish, with remarkable tries being scored right across the park.
Wes Goosen scored twice for the Hurricanes in the opening half and helped his side to a 21-17 lead at the break.
The momentum swung back and forth, with Jordie Barrett again proving the difference with the boot, kicking seven from eight attempts at goal.
Peter Umaga-Jensen was outstanding for the Hurricanes.
The young midfielder scored a try in the 61st minute before leaving the field with injury.
The Crusaders refused to back down, with Richie Mo’unga setting up Sevu Reece for a try in the right-hand corner in the 76th minute to close the gap.
Mo’unga had the chance to level scores, but his conversion went to the left of the posts.
A bit of a scuffle right on full time saw Crusaders lock Quinten Strange sent to the bin and Barrett kicked the ball into touch to clinch the crucial victory.
It put an end to the Crusaders 36-game unbeaten streak at home, their last loss also coming at the hands of the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes will, however, be worried about the fitness of Ngani Laumape who left the field in the second half with a forearm injury.
The Hurricanes now go into their second bye week, while the Crusaders head up to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Scorers: Crusaders 32 (Richie Mo’unga, George Bridge, Quinten Strange, Sevu Reece tries; Mo’unga 2 pens, 3 cons) Hurricanes 34 (Wes Goosen 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen tries; Jordie Barrett 5 pens, 2 cons)
HT: 17-21 Hurricanes
[Source: superRugby.co.nz]
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