Four-try supersub Bailyn Sullivan said he was happy "to get one back" on leaders Waikato Chiefs after inspiring Wellington Hurricanes to avenge their defeat in last year's Super Rugby semi-finals.
Sullivan came off the bench to spectacular effect in the 35-17 victory in Wellington on Saturday, crossing four times in the second half as the Hurricanes recovered from 17-9 down at the interval.
Usually a centre, the 26-year-old Sullivan had never scored more than two tries in a Super Rugby match but went on the rampage after replacing the injured wing Kini Naholo in the eighth minute.
"We wanted to get one back on these fellas for taking us out in the semis," Sullivan told Sky Sport.
"It's awesome that the boys fronted up -- it's probably our highlight of the season.
"I was pretty stoked with the four tries. I don't know, I've just seen the space and the space has opened up."
Fifth-placed Hurricanes have claimed two successive big wins after toppling third-placed ACT Brumbies in Canberra last week
Coach Clark Laidlaw said his team were finding their best form as a number of key players returned from injury, including prop Tyrel Lomax and midfield back Billy Proctor.
"We did a lot of work preparing for the Chiefs. They've been the best team so far this year," Laidlaw said.
"We stayed true to our plan in the second half. Obviously we got a bit more ball, got a bit more territory and managed to finish a couple of nice tries."
The Chiefs are level at the top of the standings with Canterbury Crusaders on 37 points but have played one more game.
The Brumbies are third on 34 points after beating the New South Wales Waratahs 40-17 in Canberra on Saturday.