Rugby: Penalty had coaches holding breath

Understandably, there was considerable emotion in the Hurricanes' coaching box when Callum Bruce lined up what could have been a winning penalty with two minutes remaining.

The Chiefs were a point behind and there probably would have been no way back for the Hurricanes had they gone behind then - the proverbial pin would have been stuck firmly into their balloon.

But Bruce, who hadn't enjoyed a great night with the boot (again), pulled it left, giving the Hurricanes their first lucky break in weeks.

They were so elated, so relieved, they made it up the other end of the field to score a bonus-point try - and that extra point might just make all the difference.

For coach Colin Cooper, that kick was tough to watch. "There was a lot of emotion," he said. "That is one of the toughest games I have experienced emotionally."

Credit for the comeback win has to go to the Hurricanes' core of senior players who were rock-solid. Captain Andrew Hore was unflinching; Ma'a Nonu deadly and the 'Canes never panicked.

"We made a few mistakes in the first half," said Hore, "and they put us under a lot of pressure. It took a while to get our game together but when you have Rodney [So'oialo] playing his 99th game and a few other guys with 50 caps, we knew we could come back."

However hard it was, they know they will have to do it all again this Friday when the Reds come to town.

The scenario won't change - a win and the Hurricanes have a realistic chance of making it.

Cooper rates the Reds: "It is no fluke they are where they are on the table. They are one of the best sides at using the ball and have so many options how they use it, especially at nine and 10."