Why lingering 'pain' of last season's loss fuelled Canes against Chiefs

REACTION: Four-try supersub Bailyn Sullivan said he was happy “to get one back” on the tournament leaders, the Chiefs, after inspiring the Hurricanes to avenge their defeat in last year’s Super Rugby semifinals.

Sullivan came off the bench to spectacular effect in the 35-17 victory in Wellington at the weekend, crossing four times in the second half as the Hurricanes recovered from 17-9 down at the interval.

Usually a centre, the 26-year-old Sullivan had never scored more than two tries in a Super Rugby match but went on the rampage after replacing the injured wing Kini Naholo in the eighth minute.

“We wanted to get one back on these fellas for taking us out in the semis,” Sullivan said.

“It’s awesome that the boys fronted up – it’s probably our highlight of the season.

“I was pretty stoked with the four tries. I don’t know, I’ve just seen the space and the space has opened up.”

Fifth-placed Hurricanes have claimed two successive big wins after toppling third-placed ACT Brumbies in Canberra last week

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Coach Clark Laidlaw said his team were finding their best form as several key players returned from injury, including prop Tyrel Lomax and midfield back Billy Proctor.

“We did a lot of work preparing for the Chiefs,” Laidlaw said.

“They’ve been the best team so far this year.

“We stayed true to our plan in the second half.

“We got a bit more ball, got a bit more territory and managed to finish a couple of nice tries.”

The Chiefs are level at the top of the standings with the Crusaders on 37 points, but have played one more game.

The Brumbies are third on 34 points after beating the Waratahs 40-17 in Canberra at the weekend.