Fan report: Highlanders miss out on upset win

It wasn't as electric as the first round win over the Blues, but the Highlanders looked like a different team than the one that limped through last season's Super Rugby season.

The only "blue" on the card for the first half was a defensive mix up between some outside backs that saw Tim Nani-Williams cross for the first try of the night. His fourth try in the last three match-ups between these two teams.

The Highlanders had the lion's share of possession all night but struggled to get their attack firing.

A lot of missed opportunities and half chances couldn't be converted until late in the first half when a classic rolling maul saw John Hardie crash over for five points.

With a 16-7 halftime lead the Highlanders would have been feeling good about their chances. However the Chiefs showed us why they have won the competition for the last two years running.

They ramped up their attack when the had the ball and managed tries to co-captain Liam Messam and second five eighth Charlie Ngatai. The second coming from some serious razzle dazzle down the touch line.

Chasing a converted try to win the match the Highlanders plugged away, but couldn't stick with the champion Chiefs outfit who had that extra gas to get them through the final 10 minutes.

The Landers missed a couple of 50/50 opportunities inside that last 10 minute spell, but it wasn't meant to be. The Chiefs coming away with a solid win 21-19.

On the plus side, the visiting team pick up a close finish bonus point keeping them second in the NZ standings.

Lima Sopoaga showed what he can do on attack, as well as off the tee, kicking 14 points at 100%. Shaun Treeby was a menace all over the park. Busting tackles, stealing ball at the ruck and defending like a man possessed.

For the second week in a row Malakai Fekitoa showed us how good he can be. The roaming licence given to him by coach Jamie Joseph, a great touch. He was everywhere and seemed to have the ball in his hands every third phase of play.

The forwards were very strong too for the second week running.

It seems the Highlanders fans, even after two weeks will have a lot more to cheer about in season 2014.

The only concern, can they keep with the pace and last the distance?

Karl Tily
Twitter - @Gldf1sh

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