Hurricanes forward Justin Sangster scored a try in the final minute to hand defending champions, the Crusaders their fourth straight defeat in Super Rugby Pacific in Christchurch tonight.
The visitors managed to sneak away with a 14-10 victory.
The seven-time champions couldn’t hold out as they registered the fourth consecutive negative result for the first time in their history, heaping more pressure on new coach Rob Penney.
Playing their first match at home in Christchurch after opening with three losses on the road, Penney’s team hit the front against the competition leaders in the 71st minute through a penalty to fly-half Riley Hohepa.
However, the Crusaders were reduced to 14 men soon afterwards when reserve lock Jamie Hannah was shown a yellow card.
The Hurricanes swung onto the attack and Sangster powered over for his team’s second try, which was converted by Brett Cameron.
As the match kicked off, the Hurricanes made a fast start to an encounter dominated by bruising defence, scoring a try through their All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax to lead 7-0 at halftime.
Crusaders back row forward Cullen Grace scored from close range to level the scores midway through the second spell but they paid for their ill-discipline over the closing stages.
