Highlanders clinch playoff spot with resounding 34-8 win over Jaguares

Jaguares 8-34 Highlanders, Estadio Jose Amalfitani
Scorecard

Highlanders clinched a playoff spot with a resounding 34-8 bonus point win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Newly-capped All Blacks flanker Elliot Dixon (31, 63) scored a double with the second try proving vital to secure the bonus point for the visitors.

Fullback Ben Smith (1) and centre Rob Thompson (13) were the other try scorers for the Highlanders. Fly-half Lima Sopoaga landed 14 points off the tee which included four conversions and a couple of penalties.

In reply, Jaguares could manage to score just a solitary try as centre Juan Martin Hernandez crossed over the line on the 35th minute. Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez managed to successfully convert Hernandez's try, however, the home side failed to make any further addition to their tally.

The Highlanders will face New Zealand Conference leaders the Chiefs in the concluding round-robin game next weekend in Dunedin whereas the Crusaders will face Hurricanes in Christchurch.