Lachie Anderson of the Reds celebrates after scoring a try against the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images
Reds 29
Highlanders 23
The Highlanders have seen their early-season gains undone after falling to a second straight home loss against the Reds.
After showing their potential with back-to-back wins over the Blues and Moana Pasifika, Jamie Joseph’s side remained stuck in mid-table as the Reds leapt into second.
The Queensland team were deserved victors in Dunedin for the first time since 2013, running in five tries to their opponents’ two while dominating the set-piece battle.
But the Highlanders will be concerned about their cratering form, being edged by the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium last weekend before producing an error-filled performance on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds started with a bang and hit the front through tries for Kalani Thomas and Richie Asiata, but the rest of the first half belonged to the hosts.
Captain Timoci Tavatavanawa opened his side’s account from the wing, having moved from his customary second-five spot to make room for Thomas Umaga-Jensen, back in the team for the first time since 2023.
Fellow midfielder Tanielu Tele’a added a second and the game seemed to be going the Highlanders’ way as wing Caleb Tangitau raced clear for what appeared another long-range try before the break, only for the TMO to intervene.
But with Reds fullback Heremaia Murray sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on during the same play, the visitors responded to that setback in dominant style after the break.
The Reds kept the Highlanders scoreless while down to 14 men and proceeded to control the rest of the second spell, crushing the opposition scrum while snuffing out all their attacking threat.
Filipo Daugunu grabbed a double and Lachie Anderson also crossed as the Highlanders failed to mount a response, allowing the Reds to add to earlier victories over Moana Pasifika, the Force and the Waratahs.
Reds 29 (Kalani Thomas, Richie Asiata, Filipo Daugunu 2, Lachie Anderson tries; Tom Lynagh 2 cons)
Highlanders 23 (Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a tries; Taine Robinson 2 cons, 2 pens, Sam Gilbert pen)
HT: 12-17
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Last year’s dominant surge to their breakthrough title is rapidly fading from view.