Late Dillon Hunt's try steers Highlanders to 36-31 win over Reds

Highlanders 36-31 Reds, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Scorecard

Dillon Hunt scored the final and decisive try as Highlanders edged out Queensland Reds in a tight 36-31 encounter in the second round of the Super Rugby at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.

This is Highlanders' second win from as many games as they occupy the pole position in the New Zealand Conference while Reds are at third place after managing a losing bonus point.

Full-back Bryce Hegarty kicked a third-minute penalty goal to kick-start the proceedings for Reds but Highlanders bounced back strong with a 7th minute touchdown from Robbie Thompson. Fly-half Josh Ioane kicked a conversion and a penalty goal as the teams finished the first quarter with a 10-3 scoreline.

The gap remained intact for the remainder of the second half with Chris Feauai-Sautia (24') and Moses Sorovi (39') scoring tries for the visitors while Shannon Frizell (29') and Ben Smith (33') touching down for the hosts as the teams had a 24-17 scoreline at the end of the first half.

Frizell with his second after the break stretched Highlanders' lead to 12 points but the Reds were unwilling to relent as back to back tries from Izack Rodda (49') and Feao Fotuaika (57') meant the Australian side went ahead of the second time in the game with a two-point lead.

As the game was heading for a tight finish with all the three results possible, Hunt dived across for the vital try in the 74th minute that Ioane improved to complete a 36-31 victory for Highlanders.