By Tony Wright
Wanting to recapture that winning feeling ahead of the playoffs, the table-topping Chiefs got off to the perfect start in tonight’s game against the Hurricanes.
Jack Lamb came to within centimetres of an immediate reply but that would be left to the canes latest winger in black, Julian Savea.
Savea scored not once, but twice.
The ‘Canes momentum was stopped by a harsh yellow card to prop Ben May and the visitors made them pay.
Still, the Chiefs were down 18 - 15 at the half.
Some sleight of hand from Sonny Bill almost lead to a third try for his side. Japanese rugby's new poster boy couldn't stay out of the action.
But neither could Aaron Cruden, who picked up an intercept, and a try for the Chiefs.
Beuden Barrett kicked the ‘Canes to within one, before Cruden put another three between the sides.
That set up a frantic final ten minutes – and with the Hurricanes down 25 - 21 with time up on the clock, and needing to win to have any hope of playoff footy, they laid siege to the Chief’s line.
The TMO was called in to rule on the final attempt at the line, but the Cake-tin faithful were eventually rewarded for a fine season of support with a winning try from the ‘Canes.
The 28-25 win jumps the Wellington side into the top six for the moment, but will they still be there come weekend's end?
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