The Hurricanes were unable to celebrate Jeremy Thrush's 100th cap the way they would've liked, losing to the 2014 champion Waratahs 29-24.

The Hurricanes looked to be dictating terms for much of the opening half, creating an array of try-scoring opportunities. It looked as though Ardie Savea had waltzed over for the first try of the game in the opening minutes before the TMO ruled a knock-on.

Despite the Hurricanes' rapid pace and line-breaking ability, the Waratahs hung in and picked up the scraps to claim the first points through New Zealand-born winger, Peter Betham.

Nehe Milner-Skudder continued his enterprising play, making incisions in the Waratahs defences at will; however, it was Ma'a Nonu who stole the show. Nonu was at the crux of much of the home sides chances and looked lively and youthful in a losing effort.

Nonu's ability to hold up the opposition defence and make bruising one-on-one tackles suggests he is in the form of his life, enjoying his rugby back in Wellington.

The Hurricanes managed to tie up the score through a well-worked blindside move from the scrum five metres from the try line. TJ Perenara took an overlap chance to set up his skipper, Conrad Smith, despite Kurtley Beale's best attempt to stop it.

Beauden Barrett assured the home side went ahead on the scoreboard, managing to chip over the NSW defensive line and regather the ball, scooting 50 metres and burning winger Peter Betham for pace at the same time.

Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu were proofing a handful on attack, making long-range breaks with ease - the former dotting over for a try that was virtually unstoppable.

Nonu was the creator of the 'Canes third, realising the space out wide, Nonu found Ardie Savea who did well to link with fellow loose-forward Brad Shields to regain the lead, however, that was short-lived as Betham nabbed his second try on the halftime siren to lock the scores at 19 apiece.

Both sides continued to go hammer and tongs in the second half. Running rugby was the order of the day as attack was favoured over defence, both sides guilty of falling off tackles regularly.

It was the visitors who were able to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them and it was only a matter of time before Israel Folau made his presence felt on the scoreboard. A Bernard Foley penalty pushed the 'Tahs out to a 10 point lead, one that would prove unassailable in the finish.

A late bonus-point try to TJ Perenara after some strong work from Chris Eves gave the boys a sniff, but it was all too late, Perenara deserving of a five-pointer after putting his body on the line for its entirety.

After seven opening round wins, the Hurricanes were unable to edge to an unprecedented eight, but will look to bounce back against a struggling Reds side in Brisbane next Sunday.

Full credit to the Waratahs who made their way over to Wellington in need of a win. Against the competition leaders, it was never an easy ask, but they came up trumps on the day, just.

The Hurricanes will leave Westpac Stadium scratching their heads on what could have been, but it won't derail their season.

Scores:

Hurricanes 24 (Conrad Smith, Beauden Barrett, Brad Shields, TJ Perenara tries; Beauden Barrett 2 con) Waratahs 29 (Peter Betham 2, Will Skelton, Israel Folau tries; Bernard Foley 3 con, pen).

HT: 19-19

The Scoring Action (by minute):

14th: Peter Betham try. Waratahs 5-0

15th: Bernard Foley conversion. Waratahs 7-0

21st: Conrad Smith try. Waratahs 7-5

22nd: Beauden Barrett conversion. 7-7

23rd: Beauden Barrett try. Hurricanes 12-7

24th: Beauden Barrett conversion. Hurricanes 14-7

34th: Will Skelton try. Hurricanes 14-12

38th: Brad Shields try. Hurricanes 19-12

40th: Peter Betham try. Hurricanes 19-17

40th: Bernard Foley conversion. 19-19

52nd: Israel Folau try. Waratahs 24-19

53rd: Bernard Foley conversion. Waratahs 26-19

57th: Bernard Foley penalty. Waratahs 29-19

70th: TJ Perenara try. Waratahs 29- 24

The Hurricanes team was:

1. Reggie Goodes replaced by Chris Eves, 65th minute.
2. Motu Matu'u replaced by Brayden Mitchell, 72nd minute.
3. Ben Franks replaced by Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 58th minute.
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. James Broadhurst replaced by Mark Abbott ,58th minute.
6. Callum Gibbins
7. Ardie Savea
8. Brad Shields
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. 14. Cory Jane replaced by James Marshall, 62nd minute.
15. 15. Nehe Milner-Skudder-replaced by Rey Lee-Lo, 77th minute.

Reserves:

1. Brayden Mitchell
2. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
3. Chris Eves
4. Mark Abbott
5. Adam Hill
6. Frae Wilson
7. Rey Lee-Lo
8. James Marshall