Six tries including two to second five Ngani Laumape were enough, but the Hurricanes left Westpac Stadium still looking for improvement after a classic game of two halves against the Waratahs in Wellington.

The Hurricanes fifth win from six Investec Super Rugby matches puts them in second place on the New Zealand Conference table with 24 points, two behind the Crusaders, and fifth overall of the 18 teams in the competition.

When Laumape scored his first try just a minute into the match it sparked 40 minutes of pure rugby entertainment from the home side before the needle fell off the record after halftime.

CAPTION: Ngani Laumape celebrates scoring a try against the Waratahs. PHOTO: Getty Sport

Beauden Barrett's first red card of his career came via his second yellow card of the match, both offences the result of instinctively reaching out and knocking down Waratahs passes.

Though the red card sparks a Sanzaar judicial process, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said he was confident his first five would not be suspended for the offences.

Barrett's misdemeanour came near the end of a second half that had seen the Waratahs claw back from 33-7 down at halftime.

On the positive side the Hurricanes once again showed how devastating they can be with a first half onslaught that showcased all their attacking talents.

Beauden and Jordie Barrett wing Wes Goosen and lock Mark Abbott all crossed the try line in the first half with Laumape's second sealing the win after a spirited Waratahs fight back.

CAPTION: Lock Mark Abbott on the charge against the Waratahs: PHOTO: Getty Sport

Laumape was seemingly in everything and it was his intercept that saw Beauden Barrett scoot in near the posts after seven minutes to make it 14-0 thanks to Jordie Barrett's impressive goal kicking.

Jordie Barrett got the third try when his older brother floated a clever pass over the defence's head and before the visitor's knew what was happening it was 21-0 in with only 11 minutes on the clock.

Beauden Barrett's first yellow card gave the Waratahs some reprieve as blindside Ned Hanigan capitalised on his side's extra man to score next to the posts in the 18th minute.

But the Hurricanes were in no mood to let their opponents have a sniff.

Beauden Barrett's long cut out pass found wing Goosen, who capped an eye catching first half hour by diving over in the corner.

CAPTION: Beauden Barrett makes a break against the Waratahs. PHOTO: Getty Sport

Then big lock Abbott pounced on a loose Waratahs lineout tap to round out the first half.

Waratahs fullback Bryce Hegarty scored from a counter attack immediately after the break and halfback Jake Gordon flew in under the posts a few minutes later as the score closed to 33-21.

Beauden Barrett provided one last highlight for the home fans when he shot up the middle of the park then threw a pin point pass to Laumape, who had enough pace to finish in the corner with 25 minutes to play.

Laumape's try was his seventh of 2017 making him equal top try scorer in the competition alongside teammate Vince Aso.

The Waratahs had the last say when replacement wing Andrew Kellaway scored, but the Hurricanes already had the four competition points in the bank.

Scorers

Hurricanes 38 (Ngani Laumape 2, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Mark Abbott tries; Jordie Barrett 4 con) NSW Waratahs 28 (Ned Hanigan, Bryce Hegarty, Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway tries; Bernard Foley 4 con). HT: 33-7

CAPTION: Hurricanes fans enjoy the atmosphere at Westpac Stadium. PHOTO: Getty Sport