After an upset win over the Blues in Dunedin last week, which silenced some of their critics and put to bed their disastrous 2013 season, spirits in the Highlanders' camp would have been high.
From the start it was evident the Highlanders wanted to continue their winning form, and aside from a defensive lapse which led to the first try from Chiefs winger Tim Nanai-Williams it was a solid forty minutes of footy from the southern men.
They had the better of territory and possession and, above all, defended their line well. Through the boot of first-five Lima Sopoaga they punished the Chiefs' mistakes.
Flanker John Hardie made his welcome return to Super Rugby when he crossed the line late in the first half, scoring the Highlanders' only try.
It has not been an easy road for Hardie at the Highlanders. The Southland flanker has sustained numerous injuries over his two seasons at the franchise, but he proved his worth on Saturday with a solid work ethic.
The Highlanders continued their effort in the second half and held their line well, but after Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam broke the line for a try the home-side smelled blood and ramped up their attack.
They took the lead soon afterwards with second-five eighth Charlie Ngatai scoring a try, and Aaron Cruden making a difficult conversion.
The defence was there and they attacked well, but it was the Highlanders' handling error count of 11 which ultimately cost them the game.
The Highlanders put in a solid effort, but the team has some work to do during the bye week to make sure opportunities do not go to waste when they face the Western Force in Dunedin on March 15.
- Paul McDonald
