James Barrett’s 79th-minute penalty broke the hearts of the Lions and ensured the Wellington Hurricanes left Ellis Park with a 30-28 Super Rugby victory on Friday.

Butch James’ converted try with nine minutes to go put the Lions ahead by one, but the substitute was caught offside during a sustained Hurricanes drive eight minutes later to allow Barrett to steal the victory.

The lead changed nine times as each team scored three tries and the game reverted to uncontested scrums after the Lions lost both of their starting props to injuries shortly before halftime.

While Barrett was unable to convert any of the New Zealanders’ tries, his boot still had the final say as he slotted five penalties to the Lions’ three.