An improved defensive performance allowed the Hurricanes to record a bonus-point win against the Reds, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered stats.

Last week in Durban, the Hurricanes missed 22 tackles and conceded four tries. They battled to strike the right balance between attack and defence, and were beaten by a more disciplined Sharks team.

In the match against the Reds in Wellington, the Hurricanes played with more determination and intelligence. There was more balance in their approach when one considers they scored five tries and conceded one.

Closer analysis will reveal that good defence and kicking created try-scoring opportunities. The first try by Wes Goosen was as a result of a great cross-kick by Beauden Barrett. The fifth try by Jason Woodward was the product of a great defensive read by the Hurricanes winger.

The Hurricanes had just 44% of the possession in Saturday's match. They weren't afraid to put boot to ball, as the stat of 29 kicks in play suggests.

On the day, the Hurricanes made 134 tackles. Their overall success rate was 84%, an improvement on last week's figure of 81%.

The Reds made just 66 tackles and missed as many as 16 for a success rate of 80%. While the Brisbane-based side had 56% of the possession, they lost the ball on 16 occasions.

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