Second-half rally see the Hurricanes edge past the Crusaders

The Hurricanes have rallied in the second half to beat the Christchurch-based Crusaders 27-26 as both teams count down to Super Rugby Pacific finals appearances. The match in Wellington had no significance for the play-offs with the Crusaders already sealing second place and the Hurricanes safe in fifth.

In the first week of the finals, the Hurricanes will travel to Canberra to play the Brumbies while the Crusaders had yet to learn who their quarter-final opponents will be.

The Crusaders dominated the first half against the Hurricanes, scoring tries through Leicester Fainga'anuku – his 11th of the season – hooker Codie Taylor and centre Braydon Ennor.

After scoring just before half-time, the Hurricanes trailed 19-8 at the break. The match turned on its head in the second half which the Hurricanes played mostly in the Crusaders half.

Tries to scrum-half Cam Roigard, full-back Josh Moorby and back-rower Brayden Iose carried the Hurricanes to a 27-19 lead before the Crusaders finished with a try to Chay Fihaki after the full-time siren.