This article initially appeared on Stuff and is reproduced with permission
Despite missing Folau Fakatava and Finn Hurley, along with two injured No.10s, the Highlanders managed to secure a victory.
The southernmen faced a remarkable second-half comeback from Moana Pasifika, alongside an outstanding display from Ardie Savea, to claim their second win of the season with a nail-biting 31-29 victory at North Harbour Stadium on Friday night.
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In a standout moment, Savea scored an exquisite try after winning a high ball and racing 45 metres to the line. Meanwhile, the All Blacks loose forward and Highlanders No.12 Timoci Tavatavanawai engaged in a personal battle throughout the match.
At times, Savea and Tavatavanawai appeared as if heavyweight boxers duking it out in the centre of the ring, with Savea ultimately winning the bout on points.
However, the true hero of the night for the Highlanders was halfback Nathan Hastie, who was a late inclusion in the starting lineup after Fakatava’s withdrawal.
Hastie crossed the try line in just the second minute following a deft run from Michael Manson, another last-minute addition, but it was his kicking game that truly stood out.
The 23-year-old’s precise kicks continually pressured Moana Pasifika, pushing them deep in their own half and indirectly contributing to two tries.
On Thursday, the Highlanders had confirmed that Fakatava was sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out until round six. Just before kickoff, Hurley was also ruled out due to a quad issue.
The absence of Hurley, who shone with two tries against the Blues in the previous match, significantly impacted the Highlanders’ counterattacking strategy. Replacement No.10 Cameron Millar’s participation was also cut short after a frightening head collision with Danny Toala in the second half.
Millar had just entered the fray for Taine Robinson when he mishandled his positioning, resulting in a hard impact with Toala in the midfield.
With play halted for several minutes for Millar’s treatment, he was subsequently carried off on a medicab, leaving Sam Gilbert to take on the five-eighth duties for the remainder of the match.
Hastie, alongside Fabian Holland, Caleb Tangitau, and Tavatavanawai, showcased enough talent collectively to guide their team to victory, albeit with a performance littered with mistakes.
At times, the Highlanders displayed poor discipline, particularly early in the game, with hooker Soane Vikena being the chief offender.
He did partially redeem himself with a crucial tackle on Moana Pasifika halfback Jonathan Taumateine that led to a knock-on. However, the robust Fijian’s numerous cheap penalties consistently put his team under pressure.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph had seen enough by the break and substituted Vikena for Jack Taylor.
For Moana Pasifika, replacement No.10 Patrick Pellegrini was impressive off the bench and nearly steered them to a memorable comeback in their inaugural match at their new North Harbour venue.
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Moana Pasifika will host the Hurricanes next Saturday, while the Highlanders will enjoy a bye, giving their injured players a much-needed break.
Highlanders 31 (Nathan Hastie try 2min, Caleb Tangitau try 30min, Tanielu Tele’a try 33min, Mitch Dunshea try 37min; Sam Gilbert 4 con, pen). Moana Pasifika 29 (Sione Mafileo try 11min, William Havili tries 15min, 64min, Ardie Savea try 45min, Semisi Tupou Taeiloa try 74min; Patrick Pellegrini 2 con). HT: 31-10
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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