2018-05-18 11:16

Cape Town – The Hurricanes stumbled and fumbled their way to victory over the Reds in their Super Rugby clash in Wellington on Friday.

As it happened: Hurricanes v Reds

The Hurricanes, widely expected to hand out a hiding to their visitors, were made to fight for their 38-34 victory having led 24-20 at half-time.

The Hurricanes scored five tries through flyhalf Beauden Barrett, wing Ben Lam (2), No 8 Blade Thomson and lock Sam Lousi. Barrett was also on target with all five conversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 18 points.

The Reds, who were vastly improved following their 63-28 mauling at the hands of the Sunwolves last weekend, replied with four tries by prop Taniela Tupou, wings Filipo Daugunu and Jordan Petaia and centre Samu Kerevi. Flyhalf Jono Lance landed all four conversions and two penalties on a good night for the kickers.

The Hurricanes picked up four points for their victory to once again regain the lead in both the New Zealand Conference and the Overall log.

The Reds picked up a single point for losing by seven or fewer points, but remained third and 12th in the Australian Conference and Overall standings, respectively.

In next weekend’s Round 15 action, the Hurricanes travel to Christchurch to play the Crusaders (Friday, May 25 at 09:35 SA time), while the Reds host the Highlanders in Brisbane (Saturday, May 26 at 11:45 SA time).

Scorers:

Hurricanes 38 (24)

Tries: Beauden Barrett, Ben Lam (2), Blade Thomson, Sam Lousi

Conversions: Beauden Barrett (5)

Penalty: Beauden Barrett

Reds 34 (20)

Tries: Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi

Conversions: Jono Lance (4)

Penalties: Lance (2)

Teams:

Hurricanes

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Michael Fatialofa, 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith

Substitutes: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Julian Savea

Reds

15 Hamish Stewart, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Jordan Petaia, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Scott Higginbotham (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 JP Smith

Substitutes: 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 Liam Wright, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Izaia Perese, 23 Aidan Toua