Hurricanes stun Brumbies
Wellington Hurricanes produced a stunning second-half display to defeat ACT Brumbies 33-15.
Last Updated: 14/03/08 12:37pm
Wellington Hurricanes produced a stunning second-half display to defeat ACT Brumbies 33-15 in the Super 14 encounter at Canberra.
The New Zealand outfit ran in four tries in the second period as they chalked up their fourth straight win of the season and strengthened their title-winning challenge.
Flanker Chris Masoe bagged a brace along with tries from Hosea Gear, Shannon Paku and Andrew Hore as the injury-hit Brumbies suffered a record-equalling 18-point loss at home.
The match was still in the balance with just 20 minutes to go with the visitors clinging to a six-point lead before the Hurricanes crossed for three quick tries to put the result beyond doubt.
Gear finished off a spectacular 90 metre move before Masoe crashed over twice to increase the final margin.
Fight back
Winger Paku and hooker Hore both scored earlier tries, with the hosts restricted to a penalty from full-back Mark Gerrard in the first half.
Brumbies did fight back and managed two consolation tries in the second term from replacement Julian Salvi and centre Tyrone Smith.
The Hurricanes led 7-3 at the break after All Black centre Conrad Smith sent Paku in for a try under the posts.
Hore scored 15 minutes into the second half to increase the deficit before the Brumbies hit back with a try from Salvi.
However the Hurricanes regained control with three quick tries to secure a bonus point win.
