Peter Lakai of the Hurricanes celebrates his try during the Super Rugby Pacific clash with Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium. Photo: Photosport
The Hurricanes have held off a spirited Moana Pasifika in Wellington.
A second-string Hurricanes side has survived a brave Moana Pasifika effort in Wellington on Friday night, reclaiming top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific table with a 32-24 win.
Up 19-0 with less than half an hour gone, Moana made a spirited comeback, but would again fall short, leaving its season hanging by a thread.
Skipper Brad Shields told Sky Sport while they were starting well, they were struggling to put the foot on the throat.
"Pretty mixed, man, that was a crazy game, happy to get through that one."
He said they were at their best when focussing on the basics.
"When we are going well, we are doing the small things right, when we aren't we are doing things that aren't in our DNA."
Shields said there would be plenty of lessons to take away.
"When you give Moana steam up they are a difficult team to handle."
It was a dream first start for Hurricanes hooker Raymond Tuputupu who powered his way over for the game's opener.
He said he had been leaning on the more experienced men in the squad.
"Just following the older boys, James (O'Reilly) and Asafo (Aumua), getting advice to make me a better player."
Richard Judd of the Hurricanes dives over to score. Photo: Photosport
Fellow front rower Siale Lauaki struck again in the 20th, on the back of a slick turnover from Peter Umaga-Jensen.
After playing a hand in two tries, Daniel Sinkinson sparked a third, Richard Judd on hand to polish it under the posts.
With a substantial lead, Moana fought back bravely, Sione Mafileo putting his side on the board with a strong bust from close range.
Abraham Pole then brought Moana within striking distance after some strong continuity from the visitors.
As the siren sounded, the Canes were awarded a kickable penalty, but instead opted for the corner, a move which back-fired and Moana claimed the lineout steal and sent the sides to the shed at 19-12.
After a scrappy start to the second fourty, winger Fine Inisi put Moana within two, taking a cut out ball from William Havili to slink over in the corner.
However, the hosts extended their advantage just two minutes later, replacement Peter Lakai charging down Moana's clearance kick and diving on the bouncing ball to score.
Aidan Morgan nailed back-to-back penalties to give the Hurricanes some breathing room.
But Alamanda Motuga ensured it would be a tight finish, scoring from a quick Moana tap, though the eight point buffer would ultimately prove enough for the Canes' to claim a tenth win of the season and regain top spot on the table, albeit temporarily.
Scorers:
Hurricanes 32 (Tuputupu, Lauaki, Judd, Lakai, tries, Morgan, 3 cons, 2 pens)
Moana 24 (Mafileo, Pole, Inisi, Motuga, tries, Havili 2 cons)
Siale Lauaki on his way to the try-line. Photo: Photosport