The Highlanders have produced heist after heist all season but unleashed Super Rugby’s version of daylight robbery against the Hurricanes to claim a maiden title.
The little-fancied southerners upset the top-qualifying hosts 21-14 in a dramatic final in Wellington on Saturday, silencing an expectant crowd of 36,000 at Westpac Stadium.
Victory is just the fourth for visiting finalists in the 20-year history of Super Rugby and only the second time a team qualifying outside the top two has lifted the silverware.
Tries either side of halftime to flanker Elliot Dixon and winger Waisake Naholo proved the difference, along with defiant defence over the last half-hour as the Hurricanes threw everything into the pursuit of their first crown.
They couldn’t crack the visitors, who had proved the odds and the pundits wrong all season.
They were firm outsiders to beat the top-qualifying Hurricanes, who had only lost two games all year.
However, as they did in last week’s semi-final upset of the NSW Waratahs, the Highlanders kicked cleverly, defended robustly and counter-attacked with intent.
Their no-name forward pack again out-pointed higher-rated opposites, while halves Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga completed superb seasons with controlling performances.
Competition-leading point-scorer Sopoaga eclipsed All Blacks opposite Beauden Barrett in general play and goalkicking. He landed three from three as the Highlanders took a 13-5 lead into halftime, while Barrett missed his first three attempts.
Sopoaga landed penalties in the fifth and 29th minutes and Barrett was astray with his first two attempts.
He also missed the conversion of Ma’a Nonu’s try after the inside centre crossed in the left corner from a blindside play.
That left the Hurricanes trailing 5-6 before the most-contentious moment of the game a minute before halftime.
Dixon charged 15 metres and grounded the ball on the foot of Hurricanes fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder when he reached out to score.
Dixon appeared to lose the ball forward and reacted in disappointed fashion, but television match official Ben Skeen ruled the ball had also found grass.
Barrett was finally on target with a penalty soon after the break but the visitors pulled clear 18-8 when wing Naholo scored his competition-leading 13th try of the year.
Two Barrett penalties reduced the margin to four points.
It should have been better but unmarked winger Julian Savea spilled a pass he should have held five metres out from the line which ultimately proved decisive.
Highlanders replacement Marty Banks landed a late drop goal to round out the scoring.
The result was a triumphant way to farewell Edinburgh-bound Highlanders co-captain Nasi Manu.
However, six Hurricanes leave on a losing note, including their iconic midfield pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu, who will play next year in France.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Only one maul from a lineout, about 65 min I think. The TV commentators called it was on as TJ.Parenara stood way back from the lineout. This showed just how good the "Landers were between the ears. They saw where TJ was and didn't contest as the Canes formed for the maul. As soon as the ball was passed back, they attacked the ball carrier, sacked the "non-maul" and won the ball. Easy to say sipping on a beer in front of a tv, but if the Canes saw the "no names" standing back and not attaching, they should have kept the ball in the front of the pod and charged forward. It would have been a try or force the maul. What did them was passing the ball back before any Highlanders were bound.
scrumma
Guest
A spectacular game with no driving mauls.
Waru
Guest
WRC teams must be breathing a sigh of relief that there are no Highlanders in the ABs pack. How about starting a rumour that Joseph's, Boyd, Plumtree & Brown for next ABs coaches. Now that would be something. Just the kind of Rugby the world needs.
Vadar
Guest
:)
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Was about to say it lfrank. I think the result does put a bit of extra pressure on Hansen as he knows that should the AB underperform at the rwc (I.e. not win) there will be people asking 'what if' questions. Perso from what I have seen this year at sr level I think hansen and the kiwis are pretty safe and pretty much anyone in all 5 SR starting xv would be a decent AB. And as decent allbalcks are already much better players than most 'very good non abs' I just dont think anyone can match their rugby. Others can win their own way but in terms of skills they are miles behind.
LFrank
Guest
All Blacks selections just got harder.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Yep, paid for my trip to Sydney for the test on August 8! lol
Mad Mick
Guest
Yes they were fantastic and so were the Canes. The players went out there to express themselves and they all did that and we got a great game as a consequence.Well refereed as well and no niggle or off the ball tackles. Take note Waratahs and Michael Cheika. Its not necessary.Those types of tactics distract and will hold the standard of Australian rugby back.
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
maybe a Speights?
Vadar
Guest
This calls for a Southern Comfort celebration
Vadar
Guest
hahahahahahahaha Halanders ;D
Vadar
Guest
Amen to that Who?
Vadar
Guest
true dat
Vadar
Guest
2nd best Team in the Comp - well deserved victory
Brett McKay
Expert
You've done alright tonight yourself, RT! ;-)
Observer
Guest
Champions Investec Highlanders, oops was that champion Invercargill Southlanders (Inve(stec)cargill South(High)landers. Southern Pride!!!!
Who?
Guest
Also worth noting that, whilst they were technically fourth on the table, on points, the Clan finished second. Pre-2011, there was no conference system, so it's rather different to a team finishing 4th lifting the trophy. That said, it's worth noting the history, that the team finishing 4th and lifting the trophy was the Crusaders in 99, a South Island team, and they did it by beating... The Highlanders. It was great to see a good reffing performance - and isn't it amazing how little controversy there is when you have neutral refs..? Even with the Dixon try. It was one where I honestly thought a call either way couldn't really be labelled a bad call, it was tough for camera angle and arguably between frames, and it really depended on which side of the Cook Straits you wanted to back.
cs
Roar Guru
Sorry guys, this excellent reasoning can only be applied to teams who qualified for the finals.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
And well tipped Brett!...
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Does that mean the Lions (who beat both the Tahs and the Highlanders) are the best team? haha