PERTH // Wellington's fullback Cory Jane scored in stoppage time as the Hurricanes rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat the Western Force 28-27 in their Super 14 match at Subiaco. The Force led 27-13 after 43 minutes thanks to a double from winger Nick Cummins and tries to Ryan Cross and Scott Staniforth. Perth had an 11-point buffer with just four minutes remaining, but Wellington hit back, with fly-half Willie Ripia landing a penalty and David Smith crossing in the 77th minute to close the margin to four points.
Jane stepped inside the lock Nathan Sharpe and shrugged off Drew Mitchell to cross in the corner during the final seconds to secure a dramatic win, moving the Hurricanes into fourth place in the standings with five wins from eight matches. Ripia had opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the fifth minute. Sharpe had a try disallowed before Cummins crossed for the first try to give the hosts a 7-3 lead. Ripia landed another penalty to close the gap to one point but tries to Staniforth in the 30th minute and Cummins' second six minutes later gave the Force a 17-6 buffer.
Ma'a Nonu set up Zac Guildford for Wellington's first try just before half-time and but Matt Giteau kicked a penalty goal to make it 20-13 at the break. The Force earned a bonus point with their fourth try when Cross scored just after the break and seemed to have the win secured until Wellington scored those two tries in the last four minutes to grab the win.
Wellington 28 (Zac Guildford, David Smith, Cory Jane tries; William Ripia 2 conversions, 3 penalties) Western Force 27 (Nick Cummins 2, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross tries; Matt Giteau 2 conversions, 1 penalty). HT: 13-20. *AP
