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Match Highlights: Aaron Smith's try snatches dramatic win for 14-man Highlanders over Chiefs
By Tom Webber
Aaron Smith's late try saw the 14-man Highlanders come from behind to snatch a 30-27 victory over the Chiefs in the first game of the 2019 Super Rugby season.
The Highlanders appeared to be down and out when Sio Tomkinson was sent off for a head-high shoulder charge on Brodie Retallick – who was unable to continue – and Stephen Donald scored the resultant penalty to put the Chiefs seven points up with 12 minutes to play.
However, Josh Ioane hit back with a three-pointer from the tee and Smith wrongfooted the defence on the try-line to dive in for the winning score.
Pari Pari Parkinson powered over to put the Highlanders ahead early on, but Tyler Ardron and Angus Taavao-Matau crossed before Nathan Harris' brilliant offload sent Etene Nanai-Seturo in at the left corner.
Nanai-Seturo touched down again off a tremendous cross-field kick from Orbyn Leger to send the Chiefs 11 points clear, but Tyrel Lomax's powerful run and offload enabled Shannon Frizell to reduce the arrears.
Despite Donald punishing Tomkinson's reckless challenge on Chiefs captain Retallick, Smith found a gap to get Aaron Mauger's side the victory with four minutes remaining.
Jack Maddocks touched down twice and Quade Cooper contributed nine points on his Super Rugby return as the Rebels beat the Brumbies 34-27 in Canberra.
Wallabies wing Maddocks capitalised when pressure from Richard Hardwick saw Irae Simone kick the ball straight to him, but Rory Arnold leapt over a ruck to score in response and the Brumbies went into the break leading by three points.
Cooper, who last featured in the competition in July 2017 having been frozen out at the Reds for the entire 2018 season, converted Anaru Rangi's unstoppable try before Maddocks dived forward to collect Bill Meakes' kick and dot it down in one brilliant movement.
Sam Carter's try set up a tense finale, but the hosts were unable to avoid starting their campaign with a home defeat.
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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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