Some desperate defence and a late try to replacement wing Wes Goosen wasn’t quite enough as the Hurricanes lost 17-14 to the Chiefs at Westpac Stadium.
There was precious little between the two New Zealand rivals as they went toe to toe in front of a crowd of more than 24,000 in a match that could have a bearing on the final finishing order of the Investec Super Rugby ladder.
The Hurricanes remain in second place on the New Zealand Conference ladder on 54 points, one ahead of the Chiefs (53), courtesy of what may be a valuable bonus point.
The Crusaders have wrapped up the New Zealand Conference title, but the result of the Hurricanes final match, against the Crusaders on July 15 in Christchurch, could have a significant bearing on where the side play in the first round of the eight team playoffs.
Motivated to play well for wing Julian Savea’s 100th match, the Hurricanes came out firing against the Chiefs and were on the board with a try to lock Vaea Fifita after just five minutes.
CAPTION: Julian Savea with his family and friends after playing his 100th match for the club. PHOTO: Getty Sport
Fullback Jordie Barrett’s conversion made it 7-0, but it was not the sign of things to come.
The Chiefs responded with a try to first five Aaron Cruden and after that it was a tense arm wrestle to the halftime mark.
Hurricanes captain TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett combined to make a brilliant try-saving tackle on Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown, then Vince Aso did the same when it appeared Cruden would score his side’s second try.
At halftime it was 7-7 and with Celebrity Cane Ronan Keating and his son Jack keeping the crowd entertained during the break, an exciting second spell beckoned.
CAPTION: Celebrity Cane Ronan Keating was a special guest of the club during the match against the Chiefs. PHOTO: Getty Sport
The Hurricanes defence was dogged and Julian Savea was putting in some huge hits out on his wing, but when the Chiefs shot down the other side of the pitch they found space behind the line and wing James Lowe got the go ahead try to make it 14-7 with about 15 minutes to play.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd threw his bench at the final quarter with Reed Prinsep, Goosen and Matt Proctor entering the fray.
The Chiefs went up 17-7 with a penalty with less than 10 minutes to play and it seemed the match had been decided, but the Hurricanes fought hard to the end.
Goosen found space out wide and dived over to give the big crowd hope, but despite Jordie Barrett nailing the sideline conversion, the Chiefs held on to bank the four competition points.
The Hurricanes next game is against The British and Irish Lions at Westpac Stadium on June 27.
Scorers:
Hurricanes 17 (Vaea Fifita, Wes Goosen tries, Jordie Barrett 2 cons) Chiefs 14 (James Lowe, Aaron Cruden tries, Damian McKenzie 2 con, pen). HT 7-7.
CAPTION: Hurricanes centre Vince Aso fends off Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown. PHOTO: Getty Sport