Fiji born, Waisake Naholo’s second‑half try helped the Highlanders claim their maiden Super Rugby title with a 21‑14 win over the Hurricanes last night.
The teams stayed true to their philosophy in a thrilling encounter, with both sides constantly looking to keep ball in hand, but in the end it was the Highlanders who were the more clinical.
In the first all‑Kiwi final since 2006, the Highlanders had the better of the first half, with Lima Sopoaga kicking them into an early 6‑0 lead, while Elliot Dixon’s try on the stroke of half‑time gave them a 13‑5 advantage at the break.
Ma’a Nonu, in his final game of Super Rugby like centre partner Conrad Smith, had earlier crossed from close range for the Hurricanes, who were missing the breakdown presence of the injured Ardie Savea.
The Hurricanes had their chances in the second half, and Beauden Barrett’s improved goal‑kicking brought them back in touch, but in the end Naholo’s try and Marty Banks' late drop goal proved decisive, with Julian Savea dropping the ball over the line when he had the chance to level the scores just after the hour mark.
Highlanders coach, Jamie Joseph says doing it the hard way may have been the decisive factor in the final.
He says they thought the fact that they had two tough games in a row might be a point of difference and he thought the preparation because of those two tough matches helped them a lot yesterday.
Source: planetrugby.com
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