Twenty points from Jordie Barrett and a brace of tries to Wes Goosen have propelled the Hurricanes into the Investec Super Rugby semifinals following a 35-16 win over the Brumbies in Canberra.
But while the Hurricanes backs picked up all the points on the night, Goosen, Jordie Barrett and halfback TJ Perenara the try scorers, it was the defending champions pack that worked hardest at GIO Stadium.
The Hurricanes will now await the result of the quarterfinal between the Lions and Sharks in Johannesburg to discover who they will play, and where, in next weekend's semifinal.
CAPTION: Wes Goosen scored two tries during the quarterfinal. PHOTO: Getty Sport
With nothing to lose and riding the emotion and inspiration of cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano's return, the Brumbies forwards came to play and produced a spirited first 40 minutes fitting of a playoff match.
The home side got the scoring under way with a try in the corner to wing James Dargaville and when hooker Josh Mann-Rea was driven over from a lineout the Hurricanes knew they would have to dig in up front and weather the storm at 16-5 behind.
Goosen had scored the Hurricanes first try after flying onto a planned long lineout throw from Ricky Riccitelli and beating three defenders to the try line.
And Jordie Barrett closed the gap to 16-15 when got a fortunate try courtesy of a Perenara pass that cannoned off Ben May's head and into the in goal where the centre pounced.
CAPTION: Lock Sam Lousi had a strong game in the middle of the Hurricanes pack. PHOTO: Getty Sport
However, the Brumbies held onto their one point lead until halftime and would have felt they had the upper hand with Hurricanes prop Jeffery To'omaga-Allen in the sinbin after accidentally making contact with an attacker's head just before halftime.
However, it was the Hurricanes who responded to the challenge.
Lealiifano's return put the match in context and brought the crowd to their feet and Hurricanes captain Dane Coles also completed a return from a long term lay off due to concussion when he replaced Riccitelli with half an hour to play.
CAPTION: Brumbies back and cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano made an heroic come back to rugby in the quarterfinal against the Hurricanes. PHOTO: Getty Sport
Barrett's steady boot edged his side out to 21-16 with two penalties as the Hurricanes hard working pack led by loose forwards Ardie Savea and Brad Shields along with big lock Sam Lousi began to win the arm wrestle.
Coles produced the hammer blow when he shot down the blind and fed Perenara for a try that put his side up 28-16 with 11 minutes to play, and Goosen finished the job after a Jordie Barrett intercept.
Scorers
Hurricanes 35 (Wes Goosen 2, Jordie Barrett, TJ Perenara tries; Barrett 3 con, 3 pen) Brumbies 16 (James Dargaville, Josh Mann-Rea tries; Wharenui Hawera 2 pen). HT: 15-16.
