A makeshift Hurricanes line-up has done barely enough to hold off Moana Pasifika for a 32-24 victory at Wellington's Sky Stadium, moving back atop the Super Rugby Pacific table, if only temporarily.
With coach Clark Laidlaw resting many of his frontline stars - notably All Blacks Tyrel Lomax, TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett - the home side began strongly, running up three unanswered tries and a 19-point lead, before letting their foot slip off the accelerator.
The Pacific Islanders reduced the margin to just two points in the second half and seemed to have momentum in their favour, but could not find the killer blow. They matched the Hurricanes' four tries, but an erratic goalkicking display from first-five William Havili did not help their cause.
After losing their top spot with defeat to the Blues last week, the Hurricanes retake the competition's top spot, with their Auckland rivals scheduled to meet Melbourne Rebels across the Tasman on Saturday night.
Both sides showed an early intention for expansive football, but the first try came from a penalty and attacking lineout, with Hurricanes hooker Raymond Tuputupu breaking off the maul and diving over for a try.
Their next chance came when winger Dan Sinkinson made ground down the right sideline and fine interpassing saw halfback Richard Judd put prop Siale Lauaki across to score. Moments later, Sinkinson broke again in midfield, with lock Ben Grant finding Judd to cross between the posts.
An error from the kickoff saw the visitors roar onto attack and an attacking lineout provided the platform for prop Sione Mafileo to put them on the scoreboard. Another lineout saw the Pacific Islanders back in the redzone, with prop Abraham Pole joining the tryscoring front-rowers.
Momentum seemed to have shifted slightly and with the halftime siren already sounded, the home side failed to capitalise on a series of close-range penalties, eventually losing a lineout throw, as their chance slipped away.
Ahead 19-12 at the break, the Hurricanes still had not imposed any dominance and were back on their heels, when Moana fullback Danny Toala kicked ahead, first-five Aidan Morgan took the ball into touch, but was penalised for throwing it away.
Entering the 22, Moana Pasifika built phases on the goal-line, before putting winger Fine Inisi over in the corner.
Now just two points up, the Hurricanes struck from the kickoff, when first-five William Havili tried to exit his 22, but had his kick charged down by loose forward Peter Lakai, who followed through to score.
That was the blow they needed to restore a buffer, with Morgan's penalty moments later stretching the margin to double figures.
Moana Pasifika came charging back, charging down Morgan's attempted clearing kick and dragging Sinkinson over the goal-line with the ball, but they conceded a free-kick at their five-metre scrum feed and the initial danger was averted.
The visitors continued to pile on pressure and loose forward Alamanda Motuga was driven over for a try that set up a tense final five minutes.
Another penalty from Morgan eased that pressure and any hope of a last-minute miracle disappeared, when the Hurricanes stole a lineout throw in their own half.
"Happy to take the 'W'," reflected Laidlaw. "Would love to have seen us take the bonus point, but too much respect for the way Moana played.
"They deserved everything they got out of the game and we had to work really hard, so we'll take the four points.
"We got a bonus point last week, so it probably evens itself out over the year."
Moana Pasifika still retain a glimmer of playoff hope, only three points outside the top eight with two games now remaining. They face NSW Waratahs next Saturday, while the Hurricanes visit the Chiefs on Friday.
Hurricanes 32 (Tuputupu, Lauaki, Judd & Lakai tries; Morgan 3 conversions & 2 penalties) Moana Pasifika 24 (Mafileo, Pole, Inisi & Motuga tries; Havili & Leali'ifano conversions)
