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Highlanders stun Cheetahs with epic comeback
By Peter Hanson
Highlanders scored three tries in the final five minutes to secure a remarkable 45-41 comeback victory against a stunned Cheetahs in Super Rugby on Friday.
The New Zealanders were trailing 41-24 in the closing stages in Bloemfontein, but after Uzair Cassiem went into the sin-bin for Cheetahs, tries from Tevita Li, Matt Feddes and Waisake Naholo completed the epic turnaround.
It was a sixth straight win for Highlanders, marking their best run since 2005.
Things did start well for the hosts, though, as Tian Meyer collected Sergeal Petersen's excellent inside pass from the right wing to race clear and score.
One of the great comeback wins!#FullTime #CHEvHIG #HighlandersANDYou pic.twitter.com/a0X4nTjJDA
— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) May 5, 2017
Highlanders soon hit back after good work at the breakdown led to Marty Banks hitting a gap from close range to touch down.
Feddes' yellow card for a late hit six minutes before the break proved costly, though, as Petersen and Torsten van Jaarsveld crossed the whitewash either side of half-time during his absence.
Highlanders hit back and led through quickfire scores from Rob Thompson and Naholo.
But Cheetahs were rewarded for their fine play as first Oupa Mohoje scored, before Meyer showed great hands to scoop up Raymond Rhule's chip one-handed to bag a second try.
Prop Ox Nche finished off a fine team move on the left to further extend Cheetahs' lead and seemingly leave Highlanders out of contention.
Cassiem's yellow set up a scarcely believable finish, though, as Li scored after relentless pressure, before Feddes raced free almost immediately from the kick-off.
Cheetahs defended resolutely as the clock wound down, but with the final play the ball was recycled to powerhouse Naholo, who bundled over the line to spark jubilant scenes from the visitors.
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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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