The Hurricanes surrendered a 19-point first half lead in slumping to a 29-44 loss to the South African side the Lions in Johanesburg this morning.
Up 22-3 just before the halftime break, but the Lions found their rhythm in the second half to set up a showdown with the Crusaders in Johannesburg next weekend.
It ended an eight match losing streak for the Lions against the Hurricanes, including last season's Super Rugby final when they were beaten 20-3 in Wellington.
There'll be no repeat of 2016 for the Hurricanes. Photo: PhotoSport
It also extends the stay of Gloucester-bound Lions coach Johan Ackermann for one more game, when he will have the chance to end his four-year stay by helping them become just the second South African team, after the Bulls, to lift the Super Rugby trophy.
A Lions win looked unlikely as the Hurricanes scored three unanswered tries to halfback TJ Perenara, wing Wes Goosen and loose-forward Ardie Savea as they piled on the pressure and fed off mistakes made by the jittery Lions.
But when prop Jacques van Rooyen bulldozed over for a try just before half-time, there was a massive shift in momentum.
Suddenly the Lions were rampant and dominating the collisions, with the Hurricanes battling to contain the physical onslaught.
Hlafback Ross Cronje, hooker Malcolm Marx, centre Harold Vorster, flank Kwagga Smith and flyhalf Elton Jantjies all scored tries.
A joint Super Rugby record 15th try of the season for centre Ngani Laumape stemmed the tide, as the Hurricanes ran out of puff in the altitude of Johannesburg.
Hurricanes skipper Dane Coles concedes his side were undone by a better team. Photo: Photosport
"We just didn't come out and do what we were doing in that first half, they got momentum and took it right to us. They just kept going to the 80th minute," Hurricanes captain Dane Coles said.
"We gave it everything we've got and unfortunately came up short, but the better team won on the day.
"I know the Hurricanes boys will be cheering on the Lions next weekend. They deserve it, they're a great side."
