Highlanders beat Force 39-31 in Dunedin thriller

Highlanders 39-31 Western Force, Dunedin

The Highlanders produced a dramatic comeback to defeat the Western Force 39-31 in a high-scoring Super Rugby Pacific clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

In a match that saw the lead change hands several times, the Highlanders finished strongly to deny the Force what would have been a rare back-to-back win in New Zealand.

Both teams played attacking rugby throughout the contest, producing a fast-paced try-fest that kept the result uncertain until the closing minutes. The victory provided a timely boost for the Highlanders after a difficult run of results.

Highlanders Start Strong Before Force Fight Back

The Highlanders began the match on the front foot. Veveni Lasaqa opened the scoring early for the home side before winger Jonah Lowe added another try after racing down the right wing and beating two defenders to finish in the corner.

Those early tries gave the Highlanders a 17-7 advantage and appeared to put them in control of the match.

However, the Western Force responded strongly. Momentum shifted after a precise 50-22 kick from Hamish Stewart pinned the Highlanders deep in their own territory. Shortly after, Force captain Jeremy Williams crossed from close range following a pick-and-drive near the try line.

The visitors continued to apply pressure and eventually took the lead when Ben Donaldson sliced through the Highlanders defence before sending Stewart over for a try. The Force went into halftime with a narrow 21-17 advantage.

Highlanders Regain Momentum In Second Half

The match remained evenly balanced after the break, with both teams trading attacking phases and opportunities.

Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai played a crucial role in shifting momentum back toward the hosts. The powerful midfielder produced two strong carries through the Force defensive line, creating the platform for another Highlanders attack.

Jonah Lowe capitalised on the pressure, collecting a well-placed grubber kick from Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens to score his second try and restore the Highlanders lead.

Winger Caleb Tangitau then crossed shortly afterwards to extend the advantage and push the Highlanders ahead midway through the second half.

Tangitau Double Seals Highlanders Victory

The Western Force continued to fight and briefly regained the lead when flanker Carlo Tizzano and winger George Bridge scored tries in quick succession.

But the Highlanders responded once again through Caleb Tangitau, whose second try of the match proved decisive. A late penalty goal added further breathing room as the Highlanders closed out a dramatic 39-31 victory.

Team line up:

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-captain).

Reserves: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Sean Withy, 21 Adam Lennox Stratford, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a.

Western Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Darby Lancaster, 13 Divad Palu, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 George Bridge, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Vaiolini Ekausi, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Nick Champion de Crepsigny, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Jeremy Williams (captain), 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.

Reserves: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Will Harris, 21 Henry Robertson, 22 Max Burey, 23 Kurtley Beale.