The weekend the Hurricanes dreamed of

Beating the Crusaders in Christchurch was one thing, but getting a bonus point and having two other results go their way has sent the Hurricanes into ecstasy.

Not only did they secure top spot in the Super Rugby standings and a home quarterfinal, but they also have the chance to host the final again if they can make it all the way.

And it was that news that had the franchise and their fans going mental.

Supporters were already trying to book tickets, just 18 hours after they thought their team would be flying to South Africa.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee spoke to Tony Veitch on Newstalk ZB and said the results of this weekend were unprecedented for the entire franchise.

"If you back yourself to go down and get a bonus point against the Crusaders, with a forward pack like they've got, you might be slightly mad," Lee said.

"To get a bonus point and have the other results go our way, it's a bit of a dream come true."

Lee was actually preparing the finances for a trip to South Africa before last night's game and said the team's manager was faced with a logistical nightmare of changing hotel rooms and flights.

Lee also confirmed that the off-field benefits for the franchise would be huge.

Unlike the NRL, Super Rugby franchises still make their own money from the playoffs, meaning the Hurricanes could get a significant cash boost.

If they make the final, that would be three playoff matches at home which, with sell-out crowds, would bring the franchise thousands.

On the field, Hurricanes forward coach John Plumtree said home field advantage was a huge turn of fate and would prove monumental heading into the playoffs.

"The logistics of travelling are always pretty taxing with the long haul flights," Plumtree said.

"We're looking forward to rewarding our fans with another good performance at home."

Plumtree also stated his surprise at the way the weekend panned out, saying he now has an extra bag of clean clothes he has to unpack.

Clothes he can unpack in Wellington with the Sharks travelling to the capital for Saturday night's quarterfinal.