Hurricanes Claim Top Spot in Super Rugby

The Wellington Hurricanes claimed the top spot in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time this season after a 31-23 victory over the Western Force in Napier on Friday night, capping a round that saw New Zealand teams dominate and tighten the race at the summit. The Auckland Blues joined the Hurricanes and ACT Brumbies on 15 points with a commanding 43-7 win against Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Sunday, while the Fijian Drua stunned the Brumbies 42-27 in Ba, Fiji, on Saturday. The Queensland Reds edged the New South Wales Waratahs 26-17 in Brisbane, and the Canterbury Crusaders rallied to defeat the Otago Highlanders 29-18 in a South Island derby.

In Napier, the Force led 8-5 at halftime behind a try from winger Darby Lancaster and two penalties from Ben Donaldson, but the Hurricanes surged in the second half with four tries, including scores from flanker Brad Shields, No. 8 Devan Flanders, flyhalf Callum Alfie and replacement lock Warner Dearns. The Force fought back late with tries from Lancaster and hooker Lopeti Faifua but could not overcome individual errors and struggles to disrupt the Hurricanes' quick ruck speed. Force coach Simon Cron noted satisfaction with his team's...