Lam, Barrett help Hurricanes survive Reds
Beauden Barrett had an outstanding game
©PA
Hurricanes 38-34 Reds, Westpac Stadium
Scorecard
Beauden Barrett contributed with 18 points while Ben Lam scored a double as Hurricanes went on to beat Queensland Reds 38-34 in their Super Rugby encounter at Westpac Stadium on Friday.
This is Hurricanes' 10th consecutive win of the season as they top the New Zealand Conference while Reds are at third in Australian Conference.
Jono Lance kicked an third minute penalty to begin the proceedings for Reds but Barrett breached a number of defences to score a converted try in the seventh minute. Lance with his second penalty goal brought down the gap to one point but Lam crossed over in the 14th minute for Hurricanes' second try as the scoreline became 14-6.
As the first quarter was coming to an end, Taniela Tupou overpowered the defence of Hurricanes for the opening try of Reds and soon Filipo Daugunu also went past the line. Lance converted both as the scoreline became 14-20.
Beauden and his brother Jordie were clinical in sending Blade Thomson over the line in the 35th minute with the fly-half even kicking a conversion and a penalty as the first half ended with a 24-20 lead in favour of the New Zealand side.
Lam ensured Hurricanes maintained momentum after the break with his second in the 49th minute and Barrett slotted the extras. However, his efforts were negated when an 18-year-old Jordan Petaia scored on his debut five minutes later as the gap between the two teams remained just four points.
Hurricanes kept building the pressure and eventually were rewarded in the 68th minute when Sam Lousi crashed past the post that was improved by Barrett to make it 38-27 before Lance's well judged pass found Samu Kerevi to score a consolation try for the visitors as they lost the encounter by 38-34 margin.
