Substitute Winger Scores Four Tries in Dominant Second Half, Leaving Super Rugby Leaders in Disarray

This article was originally published on Stuff and is republished with permission

Bailyn Sullivan made a stunning impact off the bench, scoring four tries in the second half, propelling the Hurricanes to a surprising 35-17 win over the Super Rugby Pacific leaders, the Chiefs.

Trailing 17-9 at the break, the Hurricanes responded brilliantly with 26 consecutive points, delivering a commanding performance that ensures their position in the top six.

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Sullivan entered the fray early after a serious knee injury forced the Hurricanes’ left winger Kini Naholo off the field within the first eight minutes.

Naholo left the pitch in visible distress, prompting immediate medical attention.

With three penalties from Ruben Love, the Hurricanes managed to edge the Chiefs 9-7, but it was the visitors who seized the lead in the closing moments of the first half.

Josh Jacomb converted a penalty to put the Chiefs ahead, before Rona intercepted a loose pass from Billy Proctor and darted 50m to score under the posts.

However, the second half belonged entirely to the Hurricanes, with Sullivan wreaking havoc on the right wing.

His four tries came in just 27 minutes of play.

The standout try from Sullivan was his third, which completed his hat-trick.

Love expertly spotted Sullivan unmarked on the right wing and executed a precise cross kick for the No. 23 to finish off.

Sullivan capped off the second-half rout by winning the race to a perfectly placed kick from Riley Higgins.

Love also played a crucial role in the win, appearing comfortable in his third consecutive start wearing the No. 10 jersey.

In addition to creating the try of the match, Love also contributed 15 points with his kicking.

The Big Picture

Despite the loss, the Chiefs maintain their position at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings, ahead of the Crusaders on goal difference, while the Hurricanes secured back-to-back wins, reinforcing their place in the top six.

What’s Next?

The Chiefs will face the Crusaders in Christchurch next Saturday for a top-of-the-table showdown.

The Chiefs emerged victorious with a score of 49-24 in their previous encounter with the Crusaders in round two.

The Hurricanes have a bye and will not play again until their match against the Highlanders in Wellington on May 16.