Highlanders 6 Hurricanes 10
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After a poor performance in the opening round the Hurricanes continued their improvement in this year's Super 14, holding off a determined Highlanders outfit in Dunedin tonight for their third consecutive victory.
Whereas the Hurricanes dazzled the Chiefs last week with long range tries, it was a stern defensive effort which earned the Wellington-based side their 10-6 win, constantly repelling the Highlanders as the home side spent the last five minutes of the game camped in the Hurricanes' 22m.
The game finished with the Highlanders spending 14 phases on the Hurricanes' goal line but the visitors frantically held them out.
The hard luck story continued for the Highlanders, who lost their fourth match-in-a-row by less than six points.
The Highlanders came close to nailing the elusive win, dominating possession and territory throughout the match but they were unable to breach the Hurricanes' yellow wall.
There was only one try scored in the match, a length of the field counter-attack finished off by Hurricanes loose forward Jerry Collins inside the first 10 minutes of the game.
The Highlanders conceded a turnover in Hurricanes territory - and they were punished for it.
With a massive overlap, the Hurricanes spun the ball wide to Jimmy Gopperth, who was lurking on wing, and he found Collins on the inside to finish off the move.
All the home side's points came from the boot of James Wilson, who kicked two penalties but missed a simple chance right on the break.
The opening 20 minutes of the second half was a scrappy affair, highlighted by the sin binning of Ma'a Nonu in the 56th minute for a high tackle on Highlanders prop Clint Newland.
However, the Highlanders were unable to capitalise on their numbers advantage, spending plenty of time in the Hurricanes' half but failing to add the finishing touches.
Hurricanes 10 (Jerry Collins try; Jimmy Gopperth pen, con), Highlanders 6 (James Wilson 2 pen). Halftime: 10-6.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
