Superboot Hewat seals it for Waratahs

Filipo Levi is driven back by the Waratahs' defence. Ross Land / Getty Images

Waratahs 20 Highlanders 3

The golden boot of Waratahs fullback Peter Hewat shone through the rain at Carisbrook as he led the Sydneysiders' to a 20-3 win over the Highlanders in tonight's Super 14 rugby match in Dunedin.

Hewat's tactical high kicks in slippery conditions led to two Waratahs tries, while his accurate kicking added 10 points to top a miserable final home game for the Highlanders.

His only blemish was dropping the ball over the tryline midway through the second half.

Second-placed Waratahs, who produced an impressive defensive display, are now equal leaders with the Crusaders who play the Stormers on Sunday morning (NZ time).

The Highlanders have been consigned to finish another season mid-table with two rounds remaining.

It was a fitting result for Waratahs skipper and halfback Chris Whitaker who clocked a record equalling 115 matches for the Waratahs sharing the spot with Matt Burke.

In difficult conditions both sides failed to secure possession as turnovers quickly mounted, but it was the Highlanders whose spills proved the most costly.

With the Waratahs leading 6-3 after Hewat and Ben Blair traded penalties, the hosts lost possession with Hewatt kicking into open space.

Retreating Highlanders lock Tom Donnelly failed to secure the loose ball with Waratahs centre Morgan Turinui pouncing just before the break for a crucial score.

Hewat nailed a tough conversion giving the visitors a handy 13-3 halftime lead despite the Highlanders overwhelmingly dominating territory.

Moments after the break the Highlanders were dealt another blow when Hewat regathered a high bomb which Blair dropped.

Hewat slipped a pass to second five-eighth Sam Norton-Knight who slid over untouched giving them a 20-3 lead.

The Highlanders attempted to battle back into the match and hammered the Waratahs tryline for numerous phases, but stout defence kept them tryless.

The Waratahs scrum took a battering in the only highlight for the Highlanders, but poor handling cost them any chance of snatching a win.

They finish their campaign with away games against the Brumbies and Blues while the Waratahs face the Chiefs next week before hosting the Hurricanes.

Waratahs 20 (Morgan Turinui, Sam Norton-Knight tries; Peter Hewat 2 pen, 2 con)
Highlanders 3 (Ben Blair pen)
HT: 13-3.

- NZPA