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Match Highlights: Highlanders deny Reds in Dunedin thriller
By Peter Thompson
Dillon Hunt's late try secured a 36-31 victory for the Highlanders over the Reds in a Super Rugby thriller at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.
The Highlanders came from behind to edge out the Chiefs in the first match of the season and they overcame another scare in Dunedin, where the Reds showed plenty of promise but started the campaign with a defeat.
Aaron Mauger's men produced some slick handling for the opening try - scored by Rob Thompson - and led 24-17 at the break after New Zealand duo Shannon Frizell and Ben Smith also touched down.
The Reds also showed their attacking quality with a well-worked score from Chris Feauai-Sautia and a Moses Sorovi try, set up by a brilliant inside pass from Sefanaia Naivalu.
Frizzell's second five-pointer early in the second half gave the Highlanders breathing space, but the Reds hit the front following tries from Izack Rodda and Feao Fotuaika - Bryce Hegarty converting the latter to take his tally to nine points.
Hunt claimed the decisive try six minutes from time, though, Dan Lienert-Brown setting up the back row, and Josh Ioane adding the extras for the fourth time in a pulsating tussle.
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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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