Hurricanes qualify for play-offs with win over Blues

Runaway Super Rugby leaders Hurricanes booked their place in the play-offs for the first time since 2009 following their comfortable 29-5 success at Blues.

It was Hurricanes 12th win from 13 outings this season, and the ninth time they have triumphed while also claiming a bonus point.

Chris Eves was the first to cross for the visitors in the 35th minute, and scrum-half TJ Perenara went over shortly afterwards as Hurricanes headed into the break 17-0 up.

Dane Coles' try further increased their advantage after the break and, although Matt Vaega finally got Blues on the board, Nehe Milner-Skudder ensured Hurricanes would take maximum points.

"It was one of those games where the forward pack that stood up the most was going to win and I thought we did a pretty good job in testing conditions," said Hurricanes skipper Jeremy Thrush.

"For the first 20-25 minutes we were watching the game a bit. I don't know what happened we just flicked the switch and turned up the dial and the boys started getting into their work and it felt a bit more comfortable with a bit of flow."

Defending champions Waratahs lie second in the table after their 32-22 home win over Crusaders, while Highlanders proved too strong for bottom side Western Force, prevailing 23-3.

Elsewhere, Lions earned a convincing 40-17 victory at Cheetahs and Stormers moved back into the top three with a 31-15 triumph over Rebels.