The Hurricanes held off the valiant Reds to rack up a 10th consecutive Super Rugby win with a 38-34 success at Westpac Stadium.
Last week, the Reds were humiliated in a 63-28 battering against the Sunwolves, but the Queensland outfit were vastly improved against the high-flying Hurricanes in Wellington.
However, despite briefly taking the lead in the first half, the Canes were always just out of reach as Chris Boyd's men passed a big test to return to the top of the overall standings, New Zealand franchises collectively racking up a 41st consecutive win over Australian teams in the process.
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Beauden Barrett slipped through the gap for the Canes' first try before Ben Lam wormed his way over for a one-handed score.
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Two Jono Lance penalties had kept the Reds in touching distance, though, and a six-minute double salvo had the visitors in front – Taniela Tupou rummaging over and Filipo Daugunu sprinting clear.
Nehe Milner-Skudder set Blade Thomson over to put the Canes' back in front and Lam's second early after the restart appeared to put the hosts in control.
A barnstorming run from Tupou set up Jordan Petaia to reduce the deficit, only for Sam Lousi to show great athleticism to once again give the Canes breathing space.
Samu Kerevi dotted down with seven minutes to go to set up a nervy finale, but the Canes did enough to maintain their sublime winning streak.
Watch match highlights in the video player above.