The Hurricanes have climbed into the top six of the Super Rugby Pacific standings after an impressive 35-29 victory over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night – becoming the first New Zealand team to win on Australian soil this season.
In a match where the visitors showed their class, wingers Kini Naholo and Ngatungane Punivai each crossed for two tries, leading a relentless attack that kept the Brumbies under pressure.
Despite a strong start from the Brumbies, with captain Allan Alaalatoa scoring early, the Hurricanes answered swiftly. Centre Billy Proctor finished a sweeping move off a cut-out pass by Callum Harkin, followed soon after by Punivai’s first try to give the Hurricanes a 10-5 lead.
The Brumbies fought back through Luke Reimer, but Kini Naholo struck again just minutes later, sending the Hurricanes into the break ahead 20-15.
With the Brumbies starved of possession and territory, Len Ikitau’s early second-half try briefly lifted the home side. However, Naholo’s speed and strength restored the Hurricanes’ momentum, and Punivai’s second try pushed the lead out to 13 points.
Andy Muirhead’s late try gave the Brumbies hope, but costly errors ensured the Hurricanes held on for an important win away from home.
The Hurricanes now return to Wellington, where they will host the Chiefs next week at Sky Stadium.