Three tries in each half ensured the Hurricanes continued their derby superiority with a comfortable win over the Chiefs.
Wellington defeat dents Chiefs' play-off hopes
Three tries in each half ensured the Hurricanes continued their derby superiority with a comfortable win over New Zealand rivals the Chiefs in Wellington.
The capital and central franchise wrapped up a bonus-point win against their northern neighbours in the first half at the Westpac Stadium - recording their fifth win in six games against the Waikato-based outfit.
Ma'a Nonu scored the first points of the evening with a 10th minute try before Chiefs loose forward Liam Messam responded in style five-minutes later.
Scores by Jimmy Gopperth, and replacement backs Alby Matthewson and Shannon Paku gave the Hurricanes a healthy advantage as the first-half progressed.
Stephen Donald's try and conversion at the end of the opening period cut the deficit but the Chiefs still trailed 26-12 at the break.
Decisive
Tanerau Latimer then brought the visitors briefly back into the game early in the second half, finishing off a forward drive.
But a three-minute spell midway through the second period ensured the victory went to the hosts.
New Zealand back-rowers Rodney So'oialo and Chris Masoe crossed the line in the 63rd and 66th minutes to set up a decisive advantage.
The skipper broke through the middle, while Masoe finished off out on the left wing to ensure a second straight win for the 2006 finalists.
Tane Tu'ipolotu finished off proceedings with a drop goal with the last play of the game.
The Chiefs are traditionally slow starters, but just one win from three has left them with an uphill battle to reach the Super 14 play-offs.
