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Nine-try Highlanders thump Stormers
By Peter Thompson
Patrick Osborne marked his 50th Highlanders appearance by scoring two tries and Waisake Naholo also claimed a brace in a ruthless 57-14 Super Rugby rout of Stormers.
The 2015 champions ran riot at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday, turning on the style to stretch their winning run to five matches in devastating fashion.
Wing Osborne was outstanding in his landmark appearance for the in-form Dunedin-based franchise, helping himself to a first-half double as Highlanders scored nine tries in a ruthless demolition job.
Aaron Smith pulled the strings in a magnificent all-round performance from Tony Brown's side, who led 31-7 at half-time after Nizaam Carr's converted try had put Stomers in front early on.
FULLTIME: @Highlanders make it five-in-a-row as they dispatch @stormers with ease in Dunedin #HIGvSTO https://t.co/Vv0cdSlvlt pic.twitter.com/ASrVQnLMTw
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) April 28, 2017
Naholo and Liam Squire added further tries before the impressive Rob Thompson took a superb offload from Osborne to go under the posts before the break as Highlanders produced free-flowing rugby of the highest order.
New Zealand wing Naholo scored a second try following the interval and there were also tries for Dillon Hunt, Greg Pleasants-Tate and Matt Faddes in a Highlanders masterclass, with Stormers slipping to a third consecutive 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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