The Hurricanes beat the Highlanders 17-11 in a Super Rugby Aotearoa clash in Wellington on Sunday morning. 

It was far from the fast-paced, running display that we have become accustomed to in the New Zealand competition so far as the Hurricanes bossed territory and possession and the Highlanders spent most of the contest defending. 

The Hurricanes ran in a total of three tries and took a 12-0 lead into half-time. 

The Highlanders, meanwhile, scored just one try but did secure a losing bonus point late on in the match with a penalty. 

Both sides have now won two and lost two in the competition with the Hurricanes moving up to 3rd place on the log with the Highlanders staying 4th.

More to follow ...

Scorers:

Hurricanes 17 (12)

Tries: TJ Perenara, Kobus van Wyk, Devan Flanders

Conversion: Jordie Barrett

Highlanders 11 (0)

Try: Aaron Smith

Penalties: Mitch Hunt (2)

Teams:

Hurricanes

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Fletcher Smith, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ben May

Substitutes: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Murphy Taramai, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Wes Goosen

Highlanders

15 Michael Collins, 14 Scott Gregrory, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Sio Tomkinson, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith (co-captain), 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Jack Whetton, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 1 Ayden Johnstone