Highlanders Stay In Finals Hunt With Waratahs Rout
Muhammad Rameez Published June 05, 2021 | 02:50 PM
Wellington, June 5 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Jun, 2021 ) :Otago Highlanders kept themselves in the race for the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final and extended the NSW Waratahs' record losing streak with a 59-23 win in Dunedin on Saturday.
The Highlanders scored nine tries to two, moving to second on the ladder alongside the Crusaders and behind the Auckland Blues, with Wellington Hurricanes also in contention to make the decider.
"It's game on," said Highlanders skipper Ash Dixon, whose team faces ACT Brumbies in the competition's final regular season round next week.
"I'm pretty pleased with that one. We wanted to play with a bit of passion and put on a performance for possibly our last game at home." The result was the Waratahs's 12th straight defeat, equalling the record for an Australian Super Rugby side record set by the Rebels in 2011-12.
"It's the story of our season really -- the breakdown's really hampering us as well as some handling errors," captain Alex Newsome said.
"We're feeling we can make good metres but retention's proving to be a challenge for us.
" Play was end-to end under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium as both sides played expansive rugby and turned the match into an attack-orientated try-fest.
The high number of tackles and loose defence meant the game resembled touch rugby at times, as the lead changed hands seven times in the first half alone.
Highlanders centre Michael Collins struck within two minutes of the start as a Sio Tomkinson offload caught the Waratahs defence napping.
They crossed the line five times before the break, with wingers Jona Nareki and Tomkinson turning on the afterburners for their efforts, while forwards Ethan de Groot and Ash Dixon powered through.
Jack Maddocks and Mark Nawaqanitawase kept the Waratahs in touch, along with three penalties due to some poor discipline from the hosts, making it 33-23 at half-time.
The Highlanders ramped up their defence after the restart, holding the Waratahs scoreless in the second half as they notched four more tries through de Groot, Kazuki Himeno, Nareki and Teariki Ben-Nicholas.
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Sports
-
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
5 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
6 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
8 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
9 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
9 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
8 hours ago
-
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
9 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
8 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
8 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
8 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
10 hours ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
11 hours ago