Highlanders move to second with 33-15 victory over Stormers

Highlanders 33-15 Stormers, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Scorecard

Aaron Smith starred with a double as Highlanders sealed a 33-15 bonus point victory over Stormers in their Super Rugby encounter at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday.

Flanker Liam Squire started the proceedings with a third-minute try for Highlanders and seven minutes later Stormers went on to level the scores with a touchdown from Chris Van Zyl.

Stormers got into the lead for the first time with their second try coming through Damian Willemse in the 15th minute while fullback SP Marais slotted the conversion but by the end of the first quarter, the scores were levelled with Highlanders responding through a converted try from Lima Sopoaga.

Marais kicked a penalty in the 31st minute to give Stormers a breathing space but Waisake Naholo with his 32nd minute touchdown down ensure the hosts ended the first half with a score of 19-15.

Highlanders started to gain confidence in the second half and in the 49th minute they went on to claim the bonus point through a try from Luke Whitelock and with three minutes to go into the game, Aaron scored his second try to help the hosts complete a 33-15 victory.

Highlanders are currently at the second position in New Zealand Conference while Stormers are also second in the South African Conference.