Lock Vaea Fifita scored a brace of tries as the Hurricanes rallied from a half-time deficit to record a vital 37-27 home victory over the Blues to close in on the New Zealand conference leaders.
Vaea Fifita sees the try line. Photo: Photosport
First five eighths Bauden Barrett was perfect from the kicking tee, going seven-for-seven.
Reg Goodes and Dane Coles also touched down to cancel out two first-half tries from Blues loose forward Jerome Kaino and another from Kara Pryor.
Dane Coles scores with the face. Photo: Photosport
The victory lifts the Hurricanes to 44 points from 13 games, one behind the Crusaders and two adrift of the Chiefs with two fixtures remaining.
The Blues have 30 points and their slim hopes of featuring in the playoffs ended when the Highlanders beat the Southern Kings in South Africa the next morning.
Jerome Kaino scores his second try. Photo: Photosport
