Rugby: Chiefs survive Highlanders late charge

Hosea Gear is tackled during the Super Rugby trial match against the Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders were on the wrong side of defeat again today when they finished strongly but couldn't peg back the Chiefs in Queenstown.

The Chiefs ran out 38-36 winners after being ahead 31-17 at the break.

With two weeks to go until the two sides clash in the first round of the Super 15, both teams showed glimpses of what they are capable of but it was obvious they still have plenty of work to do.

The Chiefs found some cracks in a poor Highlanders defence in the first half and All Black first five-eighths Aaron Cruden took advantage, making some some nice breaks and scoring a classy try.

But the home side gained more cohesion as the game went on and scored the final three tries of the game.

One was scored by Phil Burleigh, who was in the Chiefs wider training squad until last this week. Burleigh has been drafted into the Highlanders to cover a decimated Highlanders midfield, which suffered further damage yesterday when wider squad member Glenn Dickson was forced off with a sprained wrist.

Chiefs flanker Scott Waldron, halfback Brendon Leonard and fullback Robbie Robinson were the pick of the visitors with No 8 Nasi Manu, halfback Aaron Smith and veteran hooker Andrew Hore standing out for the Highlanders.

Chiefs 38 (Robbie Robinson, Jackson Willison, Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron Cruden penalty try tries; Cruden pen, 5 cons) HT: 17-31.
Highlanders 36 (Telusa Veainu, Aaron Smith, Kurt Baker, Doug Tietjens, Phil Burleigh, Andrew Hore tries; Chirs Noakes 2 cons, Lima Sopoaga con)