How did the Highlanders fare?
AUCKLAND: Ngani Laumape sure left an imprint in what was probably his final dance for the Hurricanes.
As the Hurricanes played what is likely to be their final match of the season with a record victory over the Reds in Wellington last night, Laumape claimed the opening try — his 48th for the franchise — and proceeded to bust tackles for fun during the remainder of the contest against the Super Rugby AU champion.
Losing Laumape at 28 seems a major mistake given New Zealand's thin midfield stocks and his performance against the Reds, which included a try assist to talented emerging prospect Ruben Love, did nothing to dismiss that notion after making 14 carries, 92m and breaking 12 tackles.
Jordie Barrett's regular injection from fullback and Du'Plessis Kirifi's presence at the breakdown proved other prominent factors for the Hurricanes — as did two costly secondhalf yellow cards to the Reds.
After leading 107 at halftime, the Hurricanes blew the Reds away with five secondhalf tries, including a double to Dane Coles off the bench, to claim their fourth victory in the competition and temporarily move to the top of the standings.
Despite securing a treasured bonus point, with the Highlanders, Blues and Crusaders all in contention for the final, the Hurricanes are likely to rue their loss to the Brumbies in Canberra last week.
The main concern for the All Blacks from this match will be the way Ardie Savea gingerly hobbled out of the match in the 50th minute after potentially tweaking the same knee he recently returned from injuring.
With All Black captain Sam Cane already out until the end of year tour, Ian Foster will now be sweating on Savea's fitness.
While the Hurricanes had little ball in the first half, their physical rush defence, with Asafo Aumua leading the charge, paved the way for dominance at the breakdown where Kirifi and Savea were hugely prominent over the ball.
The Hurricanes scrum, however, was on the back foot throughout and they struggled to contain Reds halfback Tate McDermott, one of the most influential players on the park.
McDermott's ball playing around the fringes and snipping running game caused the Hurricanes all sorts of problems.
It was no surprise he scored the Reds' first try with another burst off the scrum 5m out after Tyrel Lomax was sent to the bin after he made direct contact with Feao Fotuaika's head.
With Lomax in the bin, the Hurricanes conceded seven points to three.
While McDermott starred for the Reds, Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou had a match to forget with ball in hand after he was penalised for an early double movement and lost the ball lunging for the line on another occasion.
In his farewell match hooker Brandon PaengaAmosa scored the Reds' only secondhalf try to conclude a disappointing campaign from the Australian champion. One win in Townsville, when the Chiefs conceded a red card, from five attempts is a poor return that does not reflect well on Australian rugby. —