Rugby: Sopoaga helps push Highlanders in right direction

Gareth Evans of the Highlanders scores a try during the round 12 Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Sharks at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Getty Images.

Highlanders 48
Sharks 15

The Highlanders remain well in the play-off mix after an entertaining seven-try bonus point victory over the Sharks tonight in their final round-robin match in Dunedin for the season.

They will now embark on a trip to South Africa, a crucial one clearly given they are fifth on the table, but they have a kind draw in the form of their opposition the Lions and Cheetahs.

On their return their final home game - against the Chiefs - will be held in Invercargill.
The return of Aaron Smith and Ben Smith ensured the pace was relentless against a Sharks team who hung in there for 60 minutes, and that hasn't been a given for them this season. Their capitulation at home to the Crusaders last month led to unproven speculation about match fixing and they have had constant problems with their on-field discipline.

For the Highlanders, wings Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo are in such good form they only need to get the ball in their hands to look likely. Both scored tries - Naholo from a clever chip by Lima Sopoaga and Osborne through pace and power.

Sopoaga was in control at all times and his kicking and passing game looks in top notch - good news not only for him and the Highlanders but also potentially the All Blacks.

Fullback Ben Smith left the field in the second half for a concussion test and didn't return.
The Sharks' backs, however, with Odwa Ndungane playing out of position at fullback, were well off the pace. First-five Fred Zeilinga preferred to kick rather than pass and second-five Andre Esterhuizen opted to run into players rather than around them.

Their forwards were their heroes, with massive No8 Willem Alberts a true star with his ball handling and defence. Former captain Bismarck du Plessis looked to have scored but the television match official couldn't see a grounding and shortly afterwards they were held up over the line. Their lineout drive was a weapon but they couldn't capitalise on it until the final 10 minutes when du Plessis scored a deserved try.

It couldn't stem the flow. At 24-10 down at halftime they needed to score to be any chance and instead it was a terrible mistake which allowed Mark Reddish to sneak on to a loose ball for his first Super Rugby try. Aaron Smith and prop Brendon Edmonds then went over as the Sharks defence fell into disarray.

It was a tough way for the Sharks to start their tour Down Under. Their next matches are away to the Hurricanes and Waratahs so they are staring into a deep hole.

The fortunes of the Highlanders could hardly be more different. With a hard-working and committed forward pack and key players performing they are heading in the other direction and few teams will want to play them in the playoffs.

Bigger challenges are ahead of them, but they look well placed to deal with them.

Highlanders 48 (Gareth Evans, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Mark Reddish, Aaron Smith, Brendon Edmonds, Elliot Dixon tries; Lima Sopoaga 5 cons, pen)
Sharks 15 (Tendai Mtawawira, Bismarck du Plessis tries; Fred Zeilinga con, pen
Halftime: 24-10