The Highlanders slipped out of contention at the Super Rugby under-20 tournament in Taupo yesterday.
The Hurricanes secured a hard-earned 36-26 win and will play the Blues in Saturday’s final, while the Highlanders will play the New Zealand Barbarians under-21 in the playoff for third.
Hurricanes first five Harry Godfrey engineered the win with an outstanding performance.
He crashed through to score a first-half try, made a crucial try-saving tackle midway through the second spell and his kicking game was near flawless.
But it all started so well for the Baby Landers. Strapping centre Josh Whaanga nabbed an intercept in midfield and scampered 40m to score between the sticks.
Hooker Jack Taylor got in the boot of a lineout drive and scored a few minutes later.
The Highlanders led 14-0 with not even 10 minutes gone.
But the Hurricanes started to enjoy more possession and piled on the points.
Loose forward Dominic Ropeti barged over from close range. Then Godfrey bumped off Cam Burgess to score from a 5m scrum.
Centre Jack O’Brien ran a good angle to dot down, and powerhouse winger Epeli Waqaicece scored in the corner.
But Highlanders fullback Finn Hurley reeled off a 50-22 to give his side a chance to close the gap before the break. Impressive loose forward Aaron Withy crashed over from another lineout drive to trim the margin to 26-19 at half-
time.
The Highlanders level the scored a minute into the second half when No 8 Will Stodart dived over.
But the Hurricanes replied with a fabulous team try of their own to re-establish a seven-point buffer.
The game was in the balance, but it swung the way of the Hurricanes.
Godfrey run down Whaanga, who had scooped up some loose ball and had threatened to
run in a second try from distance.
And the Highlanders turned down a penalty from out in front and opted for an attacking lineout instead, then muffed the set piece.
When the Hurricanes got an opportunity to pot a penalty of their own, they took it and extended the lead to 10 points with 10 minutes to play.
In the other results, the Blues beat the Barbarians 51-26, the Crusaders dispatched the the Fijian Drua 50-22 and the Chiefs eased to a 52-20 win against Moana Pasifika.
Under-20
The scores
Hurricanes 36
Dominic Ropeti, Harry Godfrey, Jack O’Brien, Epeli Waqaicece, Bethal Malasia tries, Godfrey con 4, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula pen
Highlanders 26
Josh Whaanga, Jack Taylor, Aaron Withy, Will Stodart tries; Ajay Faleafaga con 3
Halftime: 26-19.
