Nareki scores as Highlanders pull off a 33-31 comeback win over the Chiefs

Jona Nareki scored a try as the Highlanders made a strong comeback in the second half to beat the Chiefs 33-31 in their Super Rugby Aotearoa match this afternoon.

The Chiefs came out firing early in the match and raced away to a 24-0 lead after just 25 minutes through tries from Lachlan Boshier, Anton Lienert-Brown and Bradley Slater.

Marino Mikaele-Tu'u then scored for the Highlanders as the Chiefs led 24-7 at the break.

Bradley Slater then scored his second try of the match soon after the break to give the Chiefs a commanding 31-7 lead.

However, the Highlanders had other ideas as tries from Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith and Jona Nareki brought them within 5 points of the Chiefs.

Sio Tomkinson then scored the match winning try for the Highlanders after the 80th minute mark.