Hurricanes 38 Sharks 37
Hawke's Bay rugby fans missed out on the opportunity to watch All Black first five-eighth Beauden Barrett live tonight.
But Barrett's late withdrawal with a tight quad had a positive spin off for former Magpies first five-eighth Ihaia West. He got a starting XV berth in his final outing on Napier's McLean Park before departing to France to begin a three-season playing contract with a yet-to-be-named club.
West said before the match he would dedicate his minutes to his Havelock North club life member and Magpies great Hepa Paewai who died in February after a battle with cancer. Paewai would have been proud with West's contribution to the Hurricanes thrilling 38-37 win over the Sharks in the Week 8 Super Rugby clash apart from an early missed conversion attempt and knock on in the 13th minute.
The Sharks applied the early pressure and were rewarded with a handy penalty kick from first five-eighth Robert du Preez in the third minute. The Hurricanes took the lead in the seventh minute with a try to fullback Jordie Barrett.
A clever flick pass from West put second five-eighth Ngani Laumape over for a try in the 15th minute. West added the conversion and the Canes led 12-3.