Bulls 20-34 Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett absent in Pretoria

Jordie Barrett was in fine form for the Hurricanes

Hurricanes were too clinical for the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday and won 34-20, despite lacking star fly-half Beauden Barrett.

The All Black withdrew from the line-up at the last minute on his 26th birthday, having complained of mystery headaches.

Otere Black came in at fly-half and kicked two conversions and a penalty for the defending champions while full-back Jordie Barrett, a brother of Beauden, kicked a conversion.

Hurricanes scored a five-try-to-two victory over the troubled South African side in front of a small Loftus Versfeld Stadium crowd to remain second in the New Zealand standings.

It was the seventh loss in the last nine matches for Bulls, who reacted to a dismal season by naming former All Blacks coach John Mitchell as executive of rugby this week.

He takes control of the three-time former Super Rugby champions from Nollis Marais, who will continue as an assistant coach amid stinging criticism of his methods.

The influence of Mitchell on the Pretoria outfit will be felt only next season, however, as he continues to coach the United States for June Tests against Ireland and Georgia.

Hurricanes scored just 95 seconds after the match started, Jordie Barrett darting down the middle after being set up by prop Loni Uhila.

Debutant winger Duncan Matthews then went over at the other end following a clever chip from the impressive Burger Odendaal before another centre, Hurricane Ngani Lauampe, scored.

A couple of penalties from fly-half Tian Schoeman, who also slotted a conversion, reduced the deficit to one point, before winger Wes Goosen and lock Mark Abbott touched down to give Hurricanes a 24-13 half-time lead.

Bulls had plenty of ball in the second half but fell 34-13 behind just past the hour, thanks in part to a try from replacement hooker Leni Apisai.

But the South Africans managed a consolation score four minutes from time when Nick de Jager cut in to grab a try which another substitute, Tony Jantjies, converted.