Howell's record helps Hurricanes blow past Highlanders

Hurricanes 35 Highlanders 33

A record-breaking performance from first five-eighths David Holwell helped power the Hurricanes to a 35-33 win over the Highlanders at McLean Park in Napier.

The Highlanders outscored the Hurricanes four tries to two, but Howell's precision kicking gave Wellington an unassailable advantage.

Holwell's contribution of 30 points - including one try - is a record for a New Zealander in a Super 12 match.

It was the Highlanders who got the early break in the first half, with well-worked 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, pegging back much of the deficit.

The turning point of the match came just before halftime when Highlanders openside flanker Finau Maka was sinbinned for handling the ball in the ruck.

During Maka's time on the bench, the Hurricanes scored two tries, one either side of the break.

Holwell scored and converted the first try, giving Wellington a 19-18 halftime lead.

Then early in the second half, fullback Christian Cullen - who had been the instigator of many of the Hurricanes breaks in the first spell - scored.

Holwell converted the try to put the Wellington-based side ahead 26-18.

The Highlanders forwards were not able to impose themselves as they had in the first forty minutes, and the loss of Anton Oliver, who left the field with a suspected knee injury, did nothing to help.

Repeated 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 and gives them an outside chance of making the semifinals.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF