The Hurricanes can thank an 11-0 early lead, 18 points from the multi-skilled Beauden Barrett and a lineout that disrupted the Waratahs' set-piece for their four competition points.
Waratahs' danger man, No 13 Israel Folau, hardly featured in the opening stanza, but then uncorked a superb solo try after 42 minutes, beating four Hurricanes with guile and power to convert his first and only real opportunity.
The unlikely figure of prop Chris Eves, who later knocked himself out, was the spark for Cory Jane's try, with an offload. Ardie Savea gave the last pass. The latter's brother Julian crossed soon afterwards from a long Barrett ball.
The first spell was divided into the proverbial two halves.
After some early lapses in concentration, the Hurricanes seized the initiative. The Waratahs were conceding penalties, and their lineout came under intense heat from the visitors.
Barrett scored the first try after a sweet chip over the top from Jane. At 11-0 to the good, the Hurricanes had a sound launching pad for a bonus point victory.
But then the rain came down, the ball got slippery, Julian Savea sought, mostly without success, to rediscover his mojo, and the Waratahs' scrum got going. They were aided by a try from a pick and go to wing Taqele Naiyaravoro, and then Hurricanes No 12 Willis Halaholo was binned for a high shot on Bernard Foley.
Foley and Nick Phipps almost combined to gift TJ Perenara a soft try in their in-goal, but Perenara knocked the ball on, as was confirmed by the TMO.
Flanker Michael Hooper was everywhere for the Waratahs and probably shaded Ardie Savea in their much anticipated battle of the opensides.
Pollock officiated his 201st, and final, first-class match. It was his 80th at Super Rugby level, and second in a row with the Hurricanes. The international whistler will retire and return to his teaching job at Hastings Boys' High School.
Hurricanes 28 (B. Barrett, C. Jane, J. Savea tries; Barrett 2 cons, 3 pens) Waratahs 17 (T. Naiyaravoro, I. Folau tries; B. Foley 2 cons, pen) HT: 11-10
