Match Report | Gallagher Chiefs unable to cap season off with a win
The Hurricanes have kept their slim title hopes alive and consigned the Gallagher Chiefs to a win-less season with a 31-18 bonus point win in Wellington tonight.
Needing nothing less than a bonus point win to stay in the hunt for the Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa title, the Hurricanes made their intentions clear early by running the ball at every occasion and crossing for two tries to impressive centre Peter Umaga-Jensen.
The Gallagher Chiefs made things tough for the Hurricanes and pegged back two tries in the second half to put their try scoring bonus point under threat.
In the end it was a touch of class from replacement halfback Jamie Booth which confirmed the bonus point for the Hurricanes. After a strong line bust from Jordie Barrett, Booth was in support and flicked an overhead ball to Billy Proctor for the crucial try.
Next week, the Hurricanes travel south to take on the Highlanders. But before then, the Hurricanes will be calling on a favour from the Highlanders in Christchurch tomorrow. If the Highlanders can upset their southern neighbours, then the Hurricanes title hopes will stay alive for one more week.
For the Gallagher Chiefs, the result caps off their eighth loss of the season in what has been a tough campaign for the Warren Gatland-coached side.
Hurricanes 31 (Peter Umaga-Jensen 2, Dane Coles, Kobus van Wyk, Billy Proctor tries, Jordie Barrett 3 con) Gallagher Chiefs 18 (Sean Wainui, Mitch Karpik tries, Damian McKenzie 2 pen, con)
HT: 12-3