Ardie Savea helps Hurricanes to thrilling victory over Highlanders

Flanker Ardie Savea made an impact straight away after returning from a disciplinary suspension as he scored two tries, including one in the last minute to ensure Hurricanes defeated Highlanders by 27-20 in their Super Rugby clash on Friday.

The Highlanders made a terrific comeback after being 17-7 down at half-time and until the 79th minute the scores were levelled at 20-20 before Savea scored the decisive try to steal the game for Hurricanes.

It was Savea, the brother of All Blacks international Julian, who scored the opening try in the game in the 13th minute for Hurricanes and Brad Shields followed with another try eight minutes later. Beauden Barrett added seven points to take Hurricanes to 17 in the first half.

Lima Sopoaga's converted try was the only points for Highlanders as they trailed Hurricanes by 17-7 at half-time.
What transpired in the second half was an incredible comeback from Highlanders with prop Dan Lienert-Brown scoring a try inside two minutes of the second half.

With two more penalties, one each from Sopoaga and his replacement Marty Banks, Highlanders managed to level the scores 20-20 by the 62nd minute.Barrett could have taken Hurricanes to the lead in the 73rd minute, but his penalty kick went across the face of the posts.

Just when the game was heading for a draw, Savea breached the defence of Highlanders once again in the final minute and Barrett added the extras to complete a 27-20 victory for the Hurricanes.

The victory has taken Hurricanes above Highlanders in the New Zealand group after scoring 40 points from 12 games.