Highlanders’ roadshow keeps rolling on

The Highlanders ended their roadshow fatigued but unbeaten after slogging their way past an uninspiring Reds side in Brisbane last night.

In a desperate finish, the Highlanders' trojan defence and powerful scrum, which stole a crucial late tighthead, delivered the priceless 23-16 victory to shunt them back into the top four.

The Highlanders kicked two penalties and kept the Reds scoreless in the second half to complete an unbeaten offshore campaign after two victories in South Africa.

Flanker Josh Blackie maintained his impressive form with two smart tries in the first 30 minutes to give his side a 17-6 lead - an advantage they needed after strangely squandering that edge before the break.

Two uncharacteristic defensive lapses let the Reds back into the match, strange blemishes from a Highlanders side who have the most miserly defence in the series.

Fullback Chris Latham broke the line and then carried Glen Horton for 15m on his back to score an extraordinary try before Junior Palesasa beat several weak tackles to score after another telling Latham thrust.

From a position of strength the Highlanders had lost their momentum and conceded the impetus to the locals, who had closed the gap to 17-16..

They were fortunate not to lose further ground when referee Shaun Veldsman strangely sinbinned Craig Newby for back-chat.

How Wendell Sailor then escaped similar punishment for head-butting and punching Blackie remained more of a mystery. But the wing went to the bin for tripping soon after.

That offence cost another Ben Blair penalty and meant the Reds needed a converted try in the last quarter to pinch a draw.

Their attack never looked likely, perhaps as a consequence of being regularly rattled by defensive hitmen such as Seilala Mapusua, Anthony Tuitavake, Blackie, Craig Newby, Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman.

Highlanders 23 (J. Blackie 2 tries, B. Blair 2 con, 3 pen) Reds 16 (C. Latham, J. Palesasa, tries, J Huxley 2 pen). HT: 17-16.

* Aussie Stadium is sold out for the Waratahs match against the Crusaders tonight.

"This is a good test for us in many ways - some subtle, some not so subtle," Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said.

"The players are anxious about that and we are keen to see where we are at."

And there is really no better team than the Crusaders to measure your skill against.

Full of All Blacks, competition semifinalists in six of the last seven years, and in stunning form after three consecutive games where they scored more than 40 points, the Crusaders look complete.

Yet there is cause for optimism for the frequently chided Waratahs.

After the humiliating 96-16 loss in 2002, the Waratahs have stood up well to the Christchurch-based side, recording wins in 2003 and 2004, as well a comprehensive trial victory in February this year.

- additional reporting AAP