The Highlanders – rank outsiders according to most pundits throughout the week – have run out 21-14 victors over the Hurricanes at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium to claim the 2015 Super Rugby crown.
In a high-quality match that had everything – skill, resolute defence, controversy and plenty of spite – the Highlanders never let the Hurricanes play the outstanding rugby that has seen them conquer all before them in 2015.
The Highlanders led from the outset, and controlled the game throughout before booting a drop goal to go ahead by seven points in the 78th minute.
News outlets are already labelling the victory as “daylight robbery”, continuing the Highlanders’ year-long trend of overcoming pre-match expectations and silencing doubters.
The pro-Hurricanes home crowd was silenced, with their only hope coming after a late Hurricane resurgence where they came within four points of the Highlanders.
However it was to no avail as the Highlanders pulled ahead to claim their first Super Rugby crown.
The away from home win capitalised on the momentum from last week’s dominant win over the ACT Brumbies, which set up an all-New Zealand Super Rugby final.
Tries on either side of the halftime break sealed the deal for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders’ ability to hold their nerve was essential in the win, with the much-fancied Hurricanes showing early signs of stage fright. The Hurricanes’ Beauden Barrett missed his first three penalty attempts, allowing the Highlanders to take an early lead which they never relinquished.
The match was not without its share of controversy, with commentators expressing doubt on a try which was awarded to Highlanders flanker Elliot Dixon.
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
Yeah you could be right about Lowe although those two tries you refer to I would not lay blame entirely with him. He may have lost a place to Milner Skudder. The reason I asked the question about Dixon was solely due to a couple of Radio Sport commentators being adamant that he would be named in the squad. Also I note that Hansen, upon naming subsequent additions to the squad, has said that Lowe was on the radar but he is now unavailable as he has had shoulder surgery.
mania
Guest
i agree no spite. lots of spirit and emotion. was an awesome atmosphere played with awesome sportsmanship. loved the game which was devoid of off the ball rubbish and just two teams at each other and the crowd wasnt just proHurricanes. there were just as much if not more highlanders supporters.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
I thought they played much more rugby. The highlanders kicked their ball away and defended well. Winning but not riveting.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
It was still a poor TMO decision.
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Great game but I'd like to know the Aussie audience numbers for our premier rugby comp . Probably about 10k.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Well they have Kaino, Messam and McCaw part time but you never know when 'more depth' is required! Dixon, you would think mate would have to be in the AB Selectors thoughts now anyhow.
Mike Julz
Guest
You know what, i'm so disappointed that hurricanes didn't win. No disrespect to highlanders, but Hurricanes should've won that watch, for so much reason..
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Johnno, Durban has 3.5 million, Cape Town about 3.75 or close on 4 mil and greater Joburg is 8 million! Plus Pretoria right next door, not even 60kms away at 1.6 million. For interests sake, Gauteng (Joburg, Pretoria and a couple other towns) has 12.9 million people in a smallish area. It's big!!!
HiKa
Roar Rookie
That makes more sense to me.
eduardo kawak
Guest
I think that player might have been James Lowe. He had a shocker in defence. Let in both Naholo tries with his poor defensive play.
Zac McLean
Roar Pro
Some really amateur lines in this piece. The "Highlanders never let the Hurricanes play the outstanding rugby that has seen them conquer all before them in 2015." The Hurricanes played incredible rugby throughout the match...in the end all that separated them was 7 points which could've been closed if Savea caught that pass. Very harsh to argue that the Highlanders were brilliant and the Canes weren't.
RobC
Roar Guru
I think, Boyd and Joseph has significantly reduced AB risk at 6
PeterK
Roar Guru
First of all great that a new team won the comp. Well done highlanders. I feel sorry for Diggercane, losing Nonu and Smith next year. This could have been the best chance in a long time for winning.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You do know that every time someone has a crack at the Tahs - a fairy dies. That is why there are so few left and they are rarely seen these days. :) That said, well played the Highlanders!
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
The overwhelming majority agree that the Roar author who wrote the article (above) didnt see the game or was confusing it with the highlanders game last week.
RobC
Roar Guru
Johnno bro. I think JBurg GA is around 8 mil vs Sydney around 4.5 mil GdP Sydney city is around $200 bil. JBurg GDP around $95 bil. Sth Africa around $300 bil
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Yes? Why wouldn't there be? I myself have been known to have a crack at the Tahs when I walk the dog or buy milk at the shops. There's always time for making fun of the Tahs. :)
Highlander
Guest
Thanks OB, I don't think there is any doubt that ardie savea being missing was a major factor, both at the breakdown and in running metres close to the ruck
frustrated old forward
Roar Rookie
Great game will have to become unfrustrated if all games are played like this
Old Bugger
Guest
Congrats mate....I couldn't pick it but when I heard Ardie was out, even my missus (who's a Canes supporter) had a forlorn look at kick-off. At the end, I never said a word (couldn't find the right word to say really)....just zipped it and made us a cuppa. And, the team looks pretty good for next year so, the job will be on the rest of us to chase the Landers down and not let them get off to a running start. Enjoy the celebrations - well earned.