Super Rugby Aotearoa: Top Five Players Of The Day
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The Hurricanes surged to an 18-25 victory over the Chiefs' despite going a man down for the final 20 minutes of the game.
Warren Gatland's Chiefs have now lost four on the trot in Super Rugby Aotearoa and will look to use their bye wisely next week to refresh and end the streak.
We take a look at the top players from Sunday's Super Rugby action.
Ardie Savea - Hurricanes
Following a weekend playing some club footy, Ardie Savea lined up for his second start of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The All Black no.8 was excellent from the base of the scrum. He made 8 tackles was superb at the breakdown and didn't miss a beat on defence.
On attack, however, he was devastating making 67 running metres from his 6 carries beating 3 defenders and made two clean breaks.
Damian McKenzie - Chiefs
A far simpler, yet effective, performance from McKenzie.
The pocket rocket fullback made metres with easier racking up 79 of them. He dovetailed brilliantly with Aaron Cruden as the pair trade first five duties while also dabbing some great kicks in behind the Hurricanes' defence.
Reed Prinsep - Hurricanes
The Canes' man raised the bat for his 50th Super Rugby appearance and just like the 49 appearances before then he put a workmanlike performance.
He was excellent in the rucks securing possession for his side while also making a mammoth 21 tackles for the visitors.
Jordie Barrett - Hurricanes
Back with a bang!
In his first game since March, Jordie Barrett returned in stellar form for the @Hurricanesrugby 🌪️
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 5, 2020
2 Try Assists, 10 Points and 1 Massive penalty 🔥#CHIvHUR #SuperRugbyAoteroa pic.twitter.com/JXmivHc3W2
The youngest Barrett put in a match winning performance for the Hurricanes' assisting two tries and scoring 10 points with just Du'Plessis Kirifi's try not directly involving the 23-year-old.
Barrett showed off all of his skills with his mammoth boot coming to the fore throughout the game and from the tee.
58 metres out, no problem for Jordie Barrett 🎯 🤯 #SuperRugby #CHIvHUR pic.twitter.com/B7PCnCSCFd
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 5, 2020
Defensively he was solid under the high ball and covered the backfield well, adding his name to the extremely competitive All Black #15 jersey.
Pita-Gus Sowakula - Chiefs
Sowakula carried the ball with real gusto, was strong in the rucks and was busy throughout.
One of the best Chiefs' on the day, Sowakula was given an early breather with 5 minutes left to play.
