Highlanders upset Blues in thrilling Super Rugby Pacific clash

In a captivating Super Rugby Pacific encounter at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, the Highlanders overcame the defending champions, the Blues, with a 29-21 victory on Saturday.

This win marked the Highlanders' first triumph over the Blues since 2021 and provided a significant morale boost after a narrow defeat in the previous week.

The Blues, boasting a lineup featuring 11 All Blacks, commenced the match with a display of their forward strength. In the 10th minute, a well-executed lineout drive culminated in scrum-half Finlay Christie crossing the try line, with Beauden Barrett adding the conversion to set the score at 7-0.

The Highlanders faced an early setback when prop Saula Ma'u was forced to leave the field due to a failed concussion test. Capitalizing on this disruption, the Blues extended their lead in the 20th minute.

Number eight Hoskins Sotutu delivered a deft offload to Barrett, who sprinted under the posts for a try and subsequently converted, bringing the score to 14-3.

Despite the mounting pressure, the Highlanders showcased resilience. In the 30th minute, fullback Finn Hurley ignited the home crowd with a brilliant individual effort.

Fielding the ball within his own half, Hurley executed a precise chip over the advancing defense, regathered, and dashed to the try line unchallenged. Sam Gilbert's conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the Highlanders narrowed the gap to 14-8.

Buoyed by this momentum, the Highlanders struck again just before halftime. Scrum-half Folau Fakatava's incisive run brought the team close to the try line, allowing Gilbert to finish the move with a try in the 38th minute.

Although the conversion was missed, the Highlanders trailed by a single point at halftime, 14-13.

The Highlanders carried their late first-half momentum into the second half. Shortly after the restart, a penalty in front of the posts provided Gilbert with an opportunity to give the Highlanders their first lead of the match. His successful kick in the 42nd minute brought the score to 16-14.

The Blues responded with their characteristic attacking flair. Opting for an attacking lineout instead of a penalty kick in the 50th minute, they executed a textbook maul, allowing hooker Ricky Riccitelli to touch down. Barrett's conversion reclaimed the lead for the Blues at 21-16.

The Highlanders, undeterred, showcased their counter-attacking prowess. In the 55th minute, a turnover deep within their territory saw winger Caleb Tangitau initiate a swift counter-attack.

The ball transitioned through multiple hands before reaching Hurley, who outpaced the defense to secure his second try of the evening. Gilbert's conversion attempt was on target, propelling the Highlanders ahead 23-21.

The match's intensity escalated when, in the 60th minute, prop Daniel Lienert-Brown received a yellow card for a dangerous cleanout. Upon review, the sanction was upgraded to a red card, reducing the Highlanders to 14 men for the remainder of the match.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Highlanders extended their lead. A penalty awarded in the 65th minute saw Gilbert confidently slotting the kick, increasing the margin to 26-21.

The Blues, sensing an opportunity, intensified their offensive efforts. However, the Highlanders' defense remained resolute, repelling multiple advances. In the 75th minute, another penalty allowed Gilbert to further widen the gap, bringing the score to 29-21.

In the closing minutes, the Blues continued to press, but the Highlanders' disciplined defense and strategic game management ensured they maintained their lead until the final whistle.