Cape Town - The Hurricanes underlined their intensions not to give up their Super Rugby title without a fight in beating the Waratahs in Wellington on Friday.
As it happened: Hurricanes v Waratahs
The Hurricanes won 38-28 after leading 33-7 at half-time.
The Hurricanes scored six tries through centre Ngani Laumape (2), wing Wes Goosen, lock Mark Abbott, fullback Jordie Barrett and flyhalf Beauden Barrett.
Jordie Barrett added four conversions, while Beauden Barrett would be shown two yellow cards - and a resultant red card in the 78th minute - for separate deliberate infringements.
The Waratahs, who put in a far better second half performance, scored four tries through flank Ned Hanigan, scrumhalf Jake Gordon and replacement backs Bryce Hegarty and Andrew Kellaway.
Flyhalf Bernard Foley was on target with four conversions of his own.
The Hurricanes picked up four points for their victory and moved to second in the ultra-competitive New Zealand Conference.
The Waratahs left-empty handed and stayed second in the Australian Conference.
In next weekend's Round 8 action, the Hurricanes travel to Auckland to play the Blues (Saturday, April 15 at 09:35 SA time), while the Waratahs have a bye.
Teams:
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Mark Abbott, 3 Jeff To'omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ben May
Substitutes: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Mike Kainga, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Toa Halafihi, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Otere Black, 23 Vince Aso
Waratahs
15 Israel Folau, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Rob Horne, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Cam Clark, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Paddy Ryan
Substitutes: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sam Needs, 18 David Lolohea, 19 David McDuling, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Andrew Kellaway