The Hurricanes have survived a second-half scare, running out 35-13 against the Melbourne Rebels in Wellington.
The clash opened the second round of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman and ended with the Hurricanes on top of the table with four games left in the weekend.
The home side scored five tries to two at Sky Stadium, with former All Black winger Julian Savea nabbing a double, while Asafo Aumua, Billy Proctor and the impressive Wes Goosen also scored.
But the Rebels threatened an upset after trailing 14-3 at halftime, with two second-half tries that had the gap as close at eight with 20 minutes to play.
But a late surge from the Hurricanes, thanks to tries to Goosen and Aumua ensured the Kiwi franchise remained unbeaten in the Australasian competition.
Despite dominating territory through the first quarter, the Hurricanes couldn't break down an improved Rebels defence that leaked 50 points against the Blues a week ago.
Only a Savea intercept could break the deadlock and that got the Hurricanes out of first gear, with Proctor crossing the line four minutes later.
The Rebels wouldn't go away and when flanker Michael Wells scored seven minutes into the second spell, the gap was just six.
Savea scored his second try close to the hour mark, but the Rebels immediately hit back through centre Campbell Magny.
But Melbourne's defiance ended in the final quarter with Goosen, who terrorised the Rebels defence all night, scored from a pinpoint cross-kick from Orbyn Leger.
Aumua crashed over from close range with seven minutes remaining to seal victory for the homeside.
Hurricanes 35 (Savea x2, Aumua, Proctor, Goosen tries, Barrett 4, Leger 1con) bt
Rebels 13 (Wells, Magny tries, pen) HT 14-3
