Hurricanes battle to victory over Waratahs

The Hurricanes reinforced their Super 12 rugby semifinal credentials with a hard-fought 26-24 win over the Waratahs at Westpac Stadium in Wellington today.

Their sixth win from seven matches propels the Hurricanes back into second place on 25 points after the Highlanders briefly assumed the position with their win over the Brumbies on Friday.

Despite the loss, the Waratahs still lead the competition on 27 after securing two vital points for scoring four tries and finishing within seven points.

Waratahs winger Peter Hewat opened the scoring early with a try after latching onto a deft Lote Tuqiri chip, before Hurricanes first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth landed a penalty and flanker Chris Masoe scored giving them an 8-5 halftime lead.

Hewat bagged his second try after the break, through an intercept and ensuing 70 metre dash.

Fullback Mat Rogers converted, and following a try from replacement pivot Lachlan MacKay, the Waratahs had a handy 19-14 lead.

But the Hurricanes replied with two quick tries to Ross Kennedy and Lome Fa'atau and accurate kicking from Gopperth.

Waratahs flanker Phil Waugh barrelled over for a late five-pointer, but Rogers' missed conversion saw the Hurricanes secure the four points.

Hurricanes 26 (Chris Masoe, Ross Kennedy, Lome Fa'atau tries; Jimmy Gopperth 3 pen, con)

Waratahs 24 (Peter Hewat 2, Lachlan MacKay, Phil Waugh tries; Mat Rogers 2 con).

Halftime: 8-5.

- NZPA