Piri Weepu scored 15 points as a stand-in flyhalf as the Wellington Hurricanes beat the Canterbury Crusaders 30-24 in Super 14 rugby on Friday.

All Black Weepu kicked three penalties and three conversions - six goals from as many attempts - to give Wellington their second win in three matches this season and leave the defending champions with a 1-2 record after three rounds.

Backs Zac Guilford, Albie Mathewson and Ma'a Nonu scored tries for the Hurricanes, who set aside the flawed kicking game which has limited their effectiveness early this season and returned to their free-running style.

Weepu guided play skillfully from flyhalf, All Blacks Nonu and Conrad Smith combined superbly in midfield and Tamati Ellison, a late addition at fullback, added more attacking thrust, creating space for wingers Guilford and Hosea Gear.

Canterbury outscored Wellington four tries to three, taking two bonus points from the match, but lacked Wellington's goal-kicking precision as Colin Slade and Stephen Brett combined for only two goals from six attempts.

Both captains were sinbinned, Canterbury's Richie McCaw after 29 minutes and Wellington's Rodney So'oialo after 77.

Wellington hung on after Canterbury fought back from 30-12 down to come within a converted try of victory.

"This is a great win for us," So'oialo said.

"It's always hard to beat the Crusaders wherever you play them, doubly hard down here.

"We had the tactics to break them if we made the passes stick.

"We showed tonight what we can do if we do the little things well."

Wellington were in front for most of the match, leading 3-0 and 6-0 after Weepu's first two successful kicks at goal.

Canterbury grabbed a 7-6 lead with a try to centre Casey Laulala, converted by Slade, but their lead lasted only three minutes before the Hurricanes scored their first try through Guilford.

A further penalty to Weepu, with McCaw in the sinbin, gave Wellington a 16-7 lead at halftime.

Canterbury lock Brad Thorn scored the first try of the second half, trimming the lead to four points but an intercept try to halfback Albie Mathewson put the Hurricanes ahead 23-12 and proved crucial.

Nonu scored in the 60th minute to give the Hurricanes their peak lead at 30-12.

The Crusaders fought back with late tries to Jarrod Payne and Thomas Waldrom but were then held out by staunch Wellington defence.

"We let it get away from us in the first half," McCaw said.

"They got momentum and it took us a while to get into the game. Maybe it was too late."

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