Hurricanes edged by Rebels

Hurricanes beaten 24-22 by the Rebels in hot conditions in Geelong in second pre-season fixture

Hurricanes out-score Rebels three tries to two, but home side kicks four penalties and keeps Hurricanes scoreless throughout much of second half

The Hurricanes were beaten 24-22 by the Melbourne Rebels in Geelong on Saturday night in their second Investec Super Rugby pre-season match.

Played in hot conditions, the Hurricanes out-scored the Rebels three tries to two, but the Rebels kicked four penalties and held the Hurricanes scoreless throughout most of the second half.

The Hurricanes led 12-3 midway through the first half after tries to fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder and flanker Ardie Savea.

The Rebels came back to lead 18-15 at halftime after tries to lock Hugh Pyle and flanker Colby Fainga’a and a long-range penalty to fullback Jason Woodward after the hooter.

The Hurricanes re-took the lead early in the second spell when wing Matt Proctor crossed the tryline. Starting first five-eighth Marty Banks converted to put the Hurricanes ahead 22-18.

It was the Rebels who closed the scoring for the match over the final 35 minutes, first five-eighth Bryce Hegarty kicking a 72nd minute to give them the lead for the final time.

The Hurricanes play the Crusaders in Levin on Friday in their third and final pre-season fixture, ahead of their competition opener against the Sharks in Durban on 23 February (NZT).