Hurricanes No 11 Salesi Rayasi scored three tries in a wonderful display of finishing power as the Hurricanes produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in Super Rugby history to secure a 33-32 win over the Blues.
The Hurricanes scored three tries in the final 10 minutes.
Ardie Savea scored the match-winner, but the win was built on the Hurricanes’ ability to stay in the fight when the momentum was against them.
Rayasi’s third try in particular, showed the big No 11 at his best, as he reached over in the corner in the 76th minute to give the Hurricanes the chance to snatch an unlikely win.
They duly obliged, sweeping down the right-hand side to set Ardie Savea free, and the captain cut inside to finish under the posts to give Ruben Love an easy chance to win the game.
The occasion was charged with emotion after the tragic passing of legends Va'aiga Tuigamala and Joeli Vidiri, who both died in the past two days and both sides observed a moment’s silence before the game.
Blues winger Caleb Clarke played like a man inspired by the memory of Tuigamala and Vidiri, and raised his arms to the sky after a first-half try in an impressive performance.
Former Warrior, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck displayed his footwork and acceleration four times inside the first 10 minutes, and it was backed up with some ruthless work by the forwards at the breakdown.
In another match last night, the Force defeated the Rebels 28-3.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
