Second half resurgence help Highlanders to 13-18 win over Brumbies

Brumbies 13-18 Highlanders, GIO Stadium
Scorecard

Highlanders made an incredible second half comeback as they came from behind to win their Super Rugby encounter with Brumbies by 13-18 at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

After the first 10 minutes went without a point, fly-half Wharenui Hawera opened Brumbies' account with a penalty in the 15th minute. Flanker Chris Alcock extended the lead further when he strolled past the post in the 25th minute while Hawera added the conversion.

At the stroke of half time, Sio Tomkinson provided some respite for Highlanders with a touchdown as they trailed by five points.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw Hawera and Highlanders replacement fly-half Marty Banks exchanging penalties as the lead for Brumbies remained intact.

However, the final 10 minutes saw the visitors dominate. With his second penalty coming in the 63rd minute, Banks got the gap down to two points while replacement Aki Seiuli scored the decisive try in the 72nd minute to take them over the Brumbies tally.

Banks' conversion took Brumbies to a five-point lead which they maintained in the final seven minutes to keep Brumbies at bay.