Hurricanes return back to winning ways with 41-15 triumph over Highlanders

Hurricanes 41-15 Highlanders, Westpac Stadium
Scorecard

Hurricanes came up with a dominant second half performance where they scored five tries as they trounced Highlanders by 41-15 in their Super Rugby clash at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

The first half was evenly contested as number eight Ardie Savea and centre Ngani Laumape crossed over for Hurricanes but fly-half Beauden Barrett missed out the conversions on both occasions.

With Malakai Fekitoa leaving the field early, replacement Matt Faddes went past the line for Highlanders after a penalty from fly-half Fletcher Smith as they trailed by two points at the end of the first half.

Centre Matt Proctor provided early momentum to Hurricanes with a 41st minute try but Highlanders replied back with a try from Elliot Dixon which came after Hurricanes scrum half TJ Perenara was sin-binned.

The defending champions showed more intent in the remainder of the second half as they amassed four more tries - Ngani Laumape and Julian Savea scoring one each while Vince Aso contributed two to take Hurricanes to a 26 point victory.

The win has taken Hurricanes to third position in New Zealand conference while Highlanders languish at the bottom.