Match Report | Hurricanes hold out determined Gallagher Chiefs

The Hurricanes have survived a late comeback from the Gallagher Chiefs to pick up their first win in the Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, 25-18 at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The visitors played a large chunk of the second half with just 14 men after Scott Scrafton was yellow carded twice, resulting in the second card being red. The red card was too late in the match to utilise the new rule where another player could return to the field after 20 minutes.

Jordie Barrett’s impact on the game was felt immediately, he set the first try up, throwing a brilliant pass out wide to Kobus Van Wyk and then kicked a remarkable 58 metre penalty kick right on halftime. The Hurricanes took a handy 20-3 lead into the sheds at the break.

The Gallagher Chiefs forged a comeback midway through the second half through the penalty try and then with three minutes left on the clock Lachlan Boshier scored out wide to close the gap to seven. But the Hurricanes managed to hold on with a man down to clinch the victory. Their defence all afternoon was impressive.

Unfortunately, the Gallagher Chiefs locking stocks have taken another hit, with promising rookie Naitoa Ah Kuoi stretchered off the field in the first half with a neck brace on. They now go into a bye week having not picked up a win in the competition through four rounds.

The Hurricanes head back home next week to take on the Highlanders on Sunday afternoon at Sky Stadium.

Scorers: Gallagher Chiefs 18 (Penalty try, Lachlan Boshier; Damian McKenzie 2 pen) Hurricanes 25 (Kobus Van Wyk 2, Du Plessis Kirifi; Jordie Barrett 2 pen, 2 con)

HT: 3-20 Hurricanes