The Highlanders beat the Waratahs 50-47 in a final pre-season match in Sydney last night.
Played at Brookvale Oval, the home side racked up 29 straight points in the second half but the Highlanders, through midfield back Rob Thompson, scored a try in the final five minutes to tie the game up. Replacement first five-eighth Fletcher Smith then banged over a penalty with time up to win the game.
It was a high-scoring encounter with mass changes by both sides. To use a tired quote — it was a real game of two halves.
The Highlanders scored 33 points in the first 40 minutes, leading 33-18 at the break, and had a real attacking thrust.
But the Waratahs came back with some real purpose in the second half and had all the momentum.
The Highlanders scored a try early in the second half through replacement halfback Kayne Hammington and were up 40-18.
But the Waratahs then rode on a high to tie the game up 40-40 with just under quarter of an hour remaining.
A Highlanders turnover then gave the ball back to the Waratahs in a handy position and the home side went over to take its first lead of the game.
Results often do not mean much in these games but defence from both sides, judging by the scoreline, could have been better.
The bulk of the Highlanders All Blacks played the first half when the team was at its most potent on attack.
The only injury concern was the sight of No 8 Luke Whitelock leaving the field at the end of the first half with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
The Highlanders put five nice tries on the board in the first half.
Fullback and captain Ben Smith scored twice while other five-pointers went to fellow All Blacks Liam Squire, Aaron Smith and Waisake Naholo.
Squire opened the scoring for visiting side with a try in the corner after five minutes.
The conversion to Squire’s try went wide from Lima Sopoaga but that was the only conversion he missed in the first half.
The breakdown was as expected fierce but the Highlanders were more potent on attack.