The Hurricanes asked the questions but the Crusaders came up with the answers in a hectic game, as Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium hosted its first game of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Crusaders extended their 15-13 lead at the half-time break, taking control of the high-scoring encounter with a storming second half performance to claim a 42-32 win.
Leicester Fainga'anuku Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Notable in the result were three tries to blockbusting Crusaders outside back Leicester Fainga'anuku, a former New Zealand under-20s player.
With the win, Scott Robinson's clinical men gave more than a hint of how they might fair without the services of No 10 Richie Mo'unga for the first part of the season.
Understudy first five-eighth Fergus Burke, in his second start for the Canterbury franchise, marshalled his side around the field. Later his good work was undone when he received a needless yellow card showing some immaturity. Despite the infringement, the 22-year-old slotted goals and filled the void left by Mo'unga.
For the Hurricanes, their determination for the contest was there for all to see. Captain Ardie Savea used his speed to cross the line, however this try, along with a number of others, were disallowed for the Wellingtonians on a closer look from the television match official. There were three tries for the Hurricanes that might have been, which was one of the stories of their game.
Will Jordan on attack Photo: Photosport / Martin Hunter
Jordie Barrett, who did everything within his powers to keep his side in the game, scored in the 75th minute, taking the ball off the back of the ruck, then converting his own pentaly.
Jackson Garden-Bachop kept the Hurricanes in the running for the bonus point, crashing over the line in the 78th minute as the Hurricanes threw everything at the opposition.
Barrett, in one of the final passages, suffered a heavy collision with Fainga'anuku and was slow to get back on his feet.
The Crusaders with their renowned ability to play under pressure and nail their opportunities, are looking on form for a strong 2020 season.
*Crusaders 42 (Fainga'anuku 3 tries, Klein try, penalty try, Hickey 1 conversion & Burke 3 penalties & 3 conversions)
*Hurricanes 32 (Love try; Barrett try & 2 penalties & 3 conversions, Sullivan try, Garden-Bachop try)
RNZ
