The Hurricanes have defeated the Chiefs 36 - 22 in an impressive display at Sky Stadium today, as they extended their lead at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table.
The display from the home side was one of control and confidence, taking an early lead over a Chiefs side who were expected to create problems for the Wellington-based side. With the help of scrum-half, TJ Perenara, the Hurricanes took a commanding lead during the early stages of the match, controlling not just the scoreboard, but also the possession and territory.
The half continued with a tit-for-tat, cat-chase-mouse, narrative that fell truly in the favour of the Canes as they headed into the half-time break 17 - 13 ahead - with their visitors desperately chasing the game.
The break appeared to do wonders for the Chiefs, reappearing with an extra zest in their steps for the final 40 minutes. Their not-so-secret weapon, Damien McKenzie, was firing on all cylinders as he began to orchestrate a tenacious comeback by the Hamilton side. With just 30 minutes remaining, the scores were still tight, but it was in the favour of the Chiefs by 6-points - threatening the Hurricanes perfect season.
Their lead wasn't to last long, however, with the Hurricanes programmed in to winning ways, they were never likely to allow the match to escape them. It was the turn of TJ Perenara to jot over for his second try that would allow the home side to regain control of the game - equaling Julian Savea's Super Rugby record try tally of 62, which he set yesterday.
The Hurricanes would add to their score once again before the final whistle, taking a bonus point for themselves and denying the Chiefs any of their own.
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