Having squandered a 17-0 lead, the Hurricanes appeared gone when they found themselves trailing 25-24 after 64 minutes against a Lions side with all the momentum.

However, the visitors cast aside the lung-burning effects of altitude to conjure two late tries, to centre Ma'a Nonu and reserve flyhalf Willie Ripia, which keeps them firmly in the play-off hunt.

Coming off a 14-19 loss to the Pretoria Bulls in a stop-start match at Wellington last week, the Hurricanes enjoyed the extra space on offer, scoring five tries to four. A six-from-six goal-kicking return from Piri Weepu, who was a key figure in play, proved decisive.

A major concern was the sight of prop John Schwalger limping from the field midway through the second half with an apparent knee injury.

Hurricanes captain Rodney So'oialo voiced concern over a poor defensive display.

''We're very disappointed because we gave away too many tries and made too many errors. In this competition you can't afford to do that,'' he said.

NZPA