THE Hurricanes moved top of the table as winger Salesi Rayasi’s double powered Jason Holland’s side past the Highlanders to a 29-14 win in Dunedin.
The Canes drew first blood as Rayesi crashed over the line carrying two defenders with him before the Highlanders responded through Hugh Renton’s barnstorming run from the back of the scrum.
Jordie Barrett’s penalty gave the Canes a one-point lead to end a cagey first half and the Highlanders melted away in the second half.
James Blackwell’s well-worked try extended the lead before scrum-half Cam Roigard picked off Folau Fakatava’s pass to race away and score.
A piece of individual brilliance from replacement scrum-half Jamie Booth set up Rayesi for his second and secured the bonus point which moves the Canes top of the table on points difference.
“That was challenging and we had to go to the well,” Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea said. “That first half was tough, and I was proud of the boys to come back in the second half, nail the simple things and get it done.”
The Brumbies ended their longstanding Brisbane hoodoo with a 52-24 win over a disappointing Reds side to keep pace with the league leaders.
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