A four-try haul from replacement Bailyn Sullivan has delivered the Hurricanes a remarkable 35-17 win over the Chiefs in round 12 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
The Chiefs looked in control after a double to Daniel Rona in the first half.
However, the Hurricanes and Sullivan rolled home for victory as they leapt into the top six.
In a tense opening half, Rona was the main spark of attack as the centre had the game's first two tries.
It started in the 22nd minute when the midfielder spun and dived over the line.
Rona then added a five-pointer right before the half-time whistle when he latched onto an intercept and raced clear.
Ruben Love’s boot kept them in the game with three penalties to trail 15-9 at the break.
In the second half, this is where Sullivan came to life with a hat-trick that could be pivotal towards their title hopes.
Sullivan, who found himself on the wing after an early injury to Kini Naholo, crossed first in the 45th minute thanks to a perfect long ball from Billy Proctor.
Proctor set up the second when he put Riley Higgins through a gap, with Sullivan scoring off the next play to give the hosts the lead.
It went from bad to worse for the Chiefs as Shaun Stevenson was yellow-carded for an incident during the try.
The Hurricanes move to fifth on the ladder and control their destiny heading into the season's final weeks.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs missed a golden opportunity to build their lead on top of the ladder.
They are tied with the Crusaders on 37 points, who are on a bye this week.
In other results, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua edged the Reds 36-33 and the Brumbies thrashed the Waratahs 40-17.
Today, the Highlanders will face Moana Pasifika at 3.35pm.
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