First-half Hurricanes blitz blows Waratahs away

The Hurricanes ran in five first-half tries on their way to claiming a 38-28 Super Rugby victory over the Waratahs on Friday.

Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett and Jordie Barrett all crossed inside the opening 12 minutes as the home side raced into a 21-0 lead in Wellington, before Ned Hanigan pulled a try back for the Waratahs with the elder Barrett in the sin bin.

Two more touchdowns courtesy of Wes Goosen and Mark Abbott sent the Hurricanes in with a 33-7 lead at the break, but the visitors refused to go down without a fight.

Bryce Hegarty and Jake Gordon crossed the whitewash early in the second period to close the gap, although Laumape’s second try afforded the Hurricanes more daylight.

Andrew Kellaway scored with 10 minutes left to play as the Waratahs’ comeback continued, but that was as far as it went, with the Hurricanes holding on despite having Beauden Barrett sent off two minutes from time.

The All Blacks fly-half saw red having been shown two yellow cards for deliberate infringements.

Victory lifts the defending champions to second in the New Zealand conference, while the Waratahs have one win from their last six matches.

FULL-TIME: 10 try battle as @NSWWaratahs enjoy strong 2nd half but @Hurricanesrugby always in control #HURvWAR https://t.co/Kzw0q5Cd3L pic.twitter.com/Y9w3Q9bZe0

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) April 7, 2017