Seven-try Highlanders beat Waratahs 49-12

Highlanders 49-12 Waratahs, Rugby Park
Scorecard

Highlanders came up with a seven-try performance as they went on to outplay Waratahs with a 49-12 win in their Super Rugby clash at Rugby Park on Friday.

The hosts got off to a terrific start as they slotted four tries in the first 25 minutes with Josh McKay (8'), Tevita Li (10'), Tom Franklin (19') and Waisake Naholo (24') all dotting down. Josh Ioane kicked all the four conversions as Highlanders raced to a 28 point lead.

It took Waratahs 28 minutes to open their account after an offload from Curtis Rona sent Alex Newsome over the line and Mack Mason followed with the extras to make it 28-7.

However, their momentum took a beating when Tom Robertson was sin-binned in the 35th minute and to make things worse for Waratahs, a penalty try was awarded to the New Zealand side. At the stroke of half-time Highlanders had their fifth try through Teihorangi Walden as the teams finished the first half with a 42-7 scoreline.

With Highlanders already obtaining the bonus point, they took the foot off the accelerator to defend their lead and the first points in the second half came in the 72nd minute when Mason touched down for a consolation try for the visitors but Highlanders capped off a fantastic game with Robbie Thompson crossing over in the added minutes to complete a 37 point win.

Highlights of the game: