One point so much more for Highlanders

Highlander Josh Blackie keeps the ball alive despite the efforts of Scott Fava. Picture / Fotopress

The tenacious Highlanders retained their place in the top four as they battled to another grinding victory, one which condemned the defending champions to their third successive defeat.

It was the fifth straight win for the Highlanders, one they will chisel into their list of 'hang tough' results and a further victory for the resolve which has been a huge part of their armoury this season.

They survived a final move inquest from the video referee to leave Carisbrook seething with emotion after the courageous single-point victory.

The Highlanders did it tough but that is the motto for their pack.

The starting front row of Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman crunched their foes and young locks Tom Donnelly and James Ryan chipped in with the support of loosies Josh Blackie, Craig Newby and Grant Webb.

Some slick service from Jimmy Cowan and the midfield power of Seilala Mapusua were key ingredients in stalling the Brumbies' ideas.

Not that they had many. Once again they were creaky on attack, too slow at the breakdown, they made too many dubious decisions and they look more in need of their bye than the Highlanders.

The second half was a slog for the Highlanders who could not score a point while the Brumbies had few ideas about cracking the Highlanders' defensive lines.

Fullback Ben Blair might have eased several worry lines but he missed two second-half penalties, including one which hit the post.

A crucial decision came at the start of the last quarter when Stirling Mortlock was awarded a try.

Video referee Paddy O'Brien was unable to see if the Brumbies skipper had grounded the ball, though referee Tappe Henning was convinced enough to rule in the Brumbies' favour. It gave the visitors a sniff, a chance to snap the losing streak against the Sharks and Blues.

But it was a rare spark from the Brumbies, who look an ordinary side without Stephen Larkham and the attacking talents of Clyde Rathbone.

The Highlanders made a poor start conceding 10 early points.

For a side with the best defensive record in the competition they looked uncertain when George Gregan ran a turnover to position wing Henari Veratau for an angled run to the line.

It was too easy and a disconcerting sign that the Highlanders were struggling with some fatigue from their recent travels.

The revival started when Nick Evans dropped a left-foot goal as Henning played advantage.

A penalty from Blair closed the gap further before the strike which ignited their evening. Brumbies fullback Mark Gerrard lost the ball in a tackle and from 40m the Highlanders made him pay big time.

Burly No 8 Grant Webb, who had been called in to replace the injured Paul Miller, made the last 25m himself, evading Gerrard's weak tackle and then carrying two other Brumbies as he lunged over the line.

The muddled Brumbies conceded two more Blair penalties and, after a brilliant start, went to halftime 19-10 behind.

They redressed some of the margin but not enough.

HIGHLANDERS 19 (G. Webb, try; B. Blair 3 pen, con; N. Evans drop goal)
BRUMBIES 18 (H. Veratau, S. Mortlock, tries; M. Giteau con, 2 pen;)
Halftime 19-10