Nareki scores as Highlanders hang on to beat Blues

Jona Nareki scored a try as the Highlanders held on to beat the Blues 35-29 to keep their Super Rugby Aotearoa title hopes alive.

The Blues were trailing 30-24 when replacement prop Alex Hodgman was sent off in the 73rd minute and the Highlanders wasted no time with Michael Collins diving over with six minutes left

Hoskins Sotutu barged over for the Blues a minute before the siren but the Highlanders won back the ball after the restart to clinch their first win at home for the season.

The Highlanders are now third on the table with 14 points while the Crusaders are leading with 22 points.

The Crusaders take on the Chiefs at 7.05 tonight.

[Source: TVNZ]