Hurricanes 35 Highlanders 33
A record-breaking performance from Wellington first five-eighth David Holwell helped power the Hurricanes to a 35-33 win over the Highlanders at McLeans Park in Napier tonight.
The Highlanders outscored the 'Canes four tries to two, but Howell's precision kicking gave Wellington an unassailable advantage.
Holwell's contribution of 30 points
out of 35 - including one try - is a record for a New Zealander in a Super 12 match.
It was Otago who got the early break in the first-half, with tries to Byron Kelleher and Pita Alatini setting the southerners up with a 12-0 advantage.
Then began a battle of the boot. Holwell kicked four penalties to Highlander Tony Brown's two to peg back much of the deficit.
The turning point of the match came when Highlanders open-side flanker Finau Maka was sinbinned for handling the ruck. During his time on the bench, the Hurricanes scored two tries either side of half-time.
Holwell scored and converted his try to give Wellington a 19-18 advantage at the break.
Then early in the second-half, fullback Christian Cullen scored his first try of the season, converted by Holwell to put Wellington ahead 26-18.
Otago forwards were not able to impose themselves as they had in the first forty minutes, and this was not helped by Anton Oliver going off with a suspected knee injury.
Otago infringements lead to Holwell extending the lead which was never really under threat, despite the final score.
Two late tries to Alatini and Ropati ensured two bonus points for the Highlanders.
