The Hurricanes have scored a 36-12 bonus-point win over the Melbourne Rebels to record a perfect 6 wins from 6, and maintain their hold on the top of the Super Rugby table.
Playing their first home game in Wellington this season in front of a decent crowd at Westpac Stadium, the Hurricanes came back from a 12-10 half-time deficit to run in 3 more tries and keep the Rebels scoreless.
The win's all the more impressive because the hosts were pinned on their line for 10 minutes without the ball in the second half, and lost All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara to the sin-bin, without conceding another point.
The Hurricanes are now seven points clear of the competition at the start of the round and can't be caught for first place this weekend.
View the game commentary here:
Summary
3-0 Rebels, fullback Mike Harris early penalty
7-3 11'15 TJ Perenara try, backing up Victor Vito, Woodward conversion
7-6 27 mins Harris pen
9-7 Rebels 30 mins Harris pen
10-9 Hurricanes 39 mins Woodward pen
12-10 Rebels 40 mins Harris pen
12-10 Rebels at half-time
17-12 44 mins Cory Jane try on right wing, Woodward conversion
24-12 57 mins No.7 Callum Gibbins (Manawatu, first Canes try) try after odd bounce for Rebels defence, Woodward conversion
69 mins Perenara sin-binned for knocking ball out of opposition halfback's hands near the tryline, after endless Rebels pressure and penalties against Canes: incredible 3% possession last 10 minutes before Canes turn ball over and get a lineout!
29-12 Canes 77 mins replacement fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder scores his first Super try for the bonus point, Woodward hits the post with conversion
36-12 Milner-Skudder try in the corner as the hooter sounds, Woodward conversion
