Chiefs beat Hurricanes 22-17 in super point thriller

Chiefs 22-17 Hurricanes, Hamilton

The Chiefs produced one of the most dramatic wins of the Super Rugby Pacific season, beating the Hurricanes 22-17 in Super Point after a fierce top-of-the-table clash in Hamilton.

Returning back-rower Wallace Sititi was the hero, scoring the winning try four minutes into extra time after a charged-down drop-goal attempt created chaos close to the Hurricanes line.

It was a match that never became the attacking shootout many expected. Instead, both sides turned it into a defensive battle, with territory, breakdown pressure and discipline playing a huge role before the game burst into life late on.

Hurricanes Strike First In Tight Opening Half

The Hurricanes took the first real chance of the night and made it count in the eighth minute. Winger Josh Moorby finished in the corner after sustained pressure from the visitors gave them early control.

The Chiefs responded by dominating territory for much of the first half, but the Hurricanes’ defence held firm. The home side created opportunities, including one when Josh Lord broke through on a strong line, but the visitors repeatedly found a way to slow the attack or force the turnover.

Damian McKenzie eventually got the Chiefs on the board with a penalty, but the Hurricanes delivered a major blow just before halftime. Strong work at the breakdown from Du’Plessis Kirifi gave them field position, and Peter Lakai crashed over under the posts to send the visitors into the break with a 12-3 lead.

Chiefs Fight Back After The Break

The hosts came out with better rhythm in the second half and cut into the deficit when Simon Parker crossed for his first try of the season. The score gave the Chiefs belief, but the Hurricanes again had a response.

Asafo Aumua powered over from close range after one of his trademark forceful carries, restoring the visitors’ advantage and keeping them in control. At that stage, the Hurricanes looked well placed to close out another major result.

But the Chiefs stayed patient. Their counterattack finally clicked late in the match when Leroy Carter broke sharply from turnover ball and sent replacement Daniel Sinkinson through to score. McKenzie converted to level the game at 17-17 and force a tense finish.

Sititi Seals Famous Win In Extra Time

McKenzie had a chance to win the match in regulation time but missed with a long-range penalty attempt. That sent the contest into Super Point, where both teams looked for one final opening.

The decisive moment came when McKenzie shaped for a drop goal, only for the kick to be charged down by Warner Dearns. With all players suddenly back onside and the ball loose near the line, Sititi reacted quickest, gathered and powered over to seal the victory in wild scenes.