By the finish the Hurricanes ran in five tries but were only safe after Jordie Barrett’s 78th minute effort.
The Hurricanes had to survive a yellow and a red card and a frantic finish as the locals threatened to pull off their first win over the visitors in 12 years.
Jordie Barrett in action for the Hurricanes against the Rebels. Photo / Photosport
Lethal wing Salesi Rayasi was prominent with ball in hand and halfback Cameron Roigard again impressed with sniping darts from the base and sound decision-making.
All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea stole the show, though, in an eventual night that featured two tries, one try assist, countless bump-offs, one yellow card and what appeared to be a throat-slitting gesture as he departed to the sin bin following a customary Dane Coles scuffle.
Savea was clearly agitated by something that was said or done during a flashpoint at the end of the first half. The skipper certainly made his feelings clear with the gesture as he temporarily left the field.
The Hurricanes conceded first but three tries and 24 unanswered points underpinned a largely dominant first half.
Leading 24-7 at halftime, the Hurricanes should have shut the gate but discipline proved problematic.
Replacement Hurricanes prop Tevita Mafileo received an upgraded red card for a carry that made contact with the tackler’s head to spark a comeback from the Rebels, who scored four second half tries to threaten a major boilover.
Barrett’s boot pushed the Hurricanes clear but two late tries from Rebels No 8 Richard Hardwick brought the Rebels within one point.
As tension escalated late Barrett stepped up again to seal an unconvincing victory.
While they escaped on this occasion, the Hurricanes will need to vastly improve when they host the Blues in Wellington next week.
