Chiefs edge Highlanders 26-23 in Dunedin
The Chiefs held off a spirited Highlanders fightback to secure a 26-23 victory in Dunedin
©PA
Highlanders 23-26 Chiefs, Dunedin
The Chiefs held off a spirited Highlanders fightback to secure a 26-23 victory in Dunedin, extending their winning streak over their southern rivals to eight matches. The clash was played in an emotional atmosphere following a pre-match tribute to the late son of prop Angus Ta’avao.
Fast start and first-half drama
The Highlanders struck first when Folau Fakatava’s cut-out pass created space for Jona Nareki to cross in the corner. The Chiefs responded quickly, with hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho finishing from a rolling maul to level the score.
After losing Jahrome Brown early to a head injury assessment, the Chiefs gradually gained control. A moment of alert thinking from Quinn Tupaea proved decisive before halftime. Spotting space after a kick had gone dead, Tupaea took a quick restart and surged forward before linking with Leroy Carter, who finished the move to give the visitors the advantage at the break.
Momentum shifts in second half
Cameron Millar narrowed the deficit early in the second half with two penalties as the Highlanders increased pressure. However, the Chiefs responded through powerful forward play and counterattacking intent. Locks Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i combined in a long break that forced Nareki into a professional foul, earning him a yellow card.
The Chiefs capitalised when Taukei’aho claimed his second try from close range following a lineout near the Highlanders’ line. A later penalty stretched the margin to 13 points.
Late Highlanders rally
The Highlanders refused to fade, with Caleb Tangitau and Veveni Lasaqa scoring late tries to narrow the gap. Missed conversions, however, proved costly as the Chiefs held on to claim another hard-fought away victory.
Team line up:
Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Rohan Wingham, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Reserves: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a
Chiefs: 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (captain), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Kaylum Boshier, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Jared Proffit
Reserves: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa
