Wellington, Feb 27 NZPA - The Hurricanes were forced to work much harder than many predicted before beating the Lions 33-18 in a Super 14 rugby match here tonight.

Having conceded 72 points to the Chiefs last weekend, the Lions were expected to present easy pickings for the home side's star studded backline.

But that did not eventuate as the South African side married their natural attacking flair with a resolute defence to keep the Hurricanes more than honest before the hosts ticked off their third successive victory.

The Hurricanes, who led 21-7 at halftime and 28-18 with 15 minutes remaining, only collected a bonus point fourth try 12min from fulltime when All Blacks backs Conrad Smith and Corey Jane featured in a sweeping move which showcased their pace and passing skills to gift a five-pointer for wing David Smith.

The Hurricanes had started and finished the first half strongly to take a handy lead at the break.

Goalkicking first five-eighth Willie Ripia landed two penalties inside the opening nine minutes before flanker Michael Paterson started and completed a tryscoring movement by snaring a lineout steal then picking up a loose last pass in the 11th minute.

That followed a flood of possession going the home team's way but that dried up in the middle stages of the spell as the Lions showed their attacking intent and fully deserved their opening try in the 22nd minute after opting for an attacking lineout instead of kicking from goal from a penalty.

Their reward was a try to flanker Derick Minnie, who was driven over the line after a clean take.

Another penalty to Ripia extended the Hurricanes' lead which they boosted in the last minute before the interval when halfback Piri Weepu marched through a big hole from a scrum 10m from the line.

The Lions had their best spell in the third quarter when they drew to 15-21 on the back of Rose's second penalty and a try to American No 8 Todd Clever.

An upset was a possibility at this stage before the Hurricanes were given some breathing space following an outstanding individual try to captain Andrew Hore.

The All Blacks captain received the ball 40m out and from a standing start he muscled his way past three defenders before selling fullback Rose a sweet dummy.