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Highlanders run riot in Smith's landmark appearance
By Peter Thompson
Malakai Fekitoa scored a try in each half as Highlanders thrashed Rebels 51-12 in Aaron Smith's 100th Super Rugby game on Friday.
Highlanders had to come from behind to beat Brumbies last Saturday, easing to victory at a canter six days later in Dunedin against a Rebels side that has now lost five in a row.
New Zealand scrum-half Smith pulled the strings in his landmark appearance as Tony Brown's men put on a show despite the absence of injured captain Ben Smith, running in six tries at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Rebels made far too many sloppy errors in the first half and were somewhat fortunate to only trail 20-0 at the break after Fekitoa powered his way over and Luke Whitelock took a lovely offload from Tom Franklin to go under the posts.
#Legend pic.twitter.com/dC7EsVNRDL
— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) March 31, 2017
Richard Buckman and Gareth Evans also got in on the act with five-pointers after the break as Rebels continued to be guilty of basic errors, while centre Fekitoa helped himself to a double with a late intercept try.
Tom English and Reece Hodge came up with consolation tries for Rebels, but they were blown away and Marty Banks' 19-point haul with the boot ensured Highlanders racked up a half-century as they coasted to a third win in four games.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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