Hurricanes hold off Highlanders for second straight win

The Hurricanes made it back-to-back wins in Super Rugby Aotearoa with a 17-11 victory over the Highlanders on Sunday.

A dominant start in Wellington helped set up the Hurricanes' win as they scored the first 17 points of the game.

The Hurricanes moved into third on the table with two wins from four games, while the Highlanders have lost three of their opening four.

They broke the game open either side of half-time, with TJ Perenara crossing for the first try in the 28th minute.

The Hurricanes took a 12-0 lead into the break, Jacobus van Wyk crashing over on the right wing after a long pass from Jordie Barrett.

Devan Flanders went over to make it 17-0 to put the Hurricanes in complete control eight minutes into the second half.

Aaron Smith crossed for the Highlanders and Mitch Hunt kicked two penalties – the second coming in the 80th minute – but the Hurricanes held on.

Super Rugby Aotearoa | Hurricanes v Highlanders - Rd 5 Highlights The @Hurricanesrugby continued their recent dominance of the @Highlanders in Wellington on Sunday, snapping a two-game losing streak at home to move out of the bottom two.#SuperRugby #SuperRugbyAotearoa #HURvHIG pic.twitter.com/kjyMjbzHGD

— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) July 12, 2020