Kini Naholo during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
The Hurricanes have recorded a nail-biting 20-18 win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, having to withstand a final 10 minutes on defence and a late missed drop goal attempt.
Ruben Love's spectacular 62nd-minute try proved to be the difference between the two sides, with the All Black fullback leaping into the corner to score after some fantastic lead-up work by Peter Umaga-Jensen and Cam Roigard.
Despite several tough charges by the home side, it came down to a 40-metre drop goal attempt by Sam Gilbert, his kick had the legs but hooked left away from the posts. It sparked jubilant celebrations from the Hurricanes players, who by that stage were out on their feet.
Earlier, Kini Naholo scored the opening try after only a couple of minutes when the Hurricanes pounced on a Highlanders error from the kick-off. However, any hopes that this would be a classic Super Rugby shootout were dashed as each side settled into a forward-based game plan with a heavy diet of box kicking.
The impressive Caleb Tangitau finally broke things open just before the break with his second length-of-the-field intercept try in as many games, part of a very good all-round performance that may well see the winger part of the conversation for higher honours later in the year.
Roigard scored for the Hurricanes after a Bailyn Sullivan break, before some quick thinking by Tangitau off a quick tap saw Ajay Faleafaga streak away for the Highlander to affect yet another lead change.
Another man to have a huge game and in a similar position with the All Black selectors was Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi, who was immense on defence, pulling off a key turnover as the game reached its climax.
The Hurricanes will be breathing a sigh of relief after their poor start to the season, especially since the win came off some heroic defence and cool heads at the end. However, it wasn't without controversy, as it appeared that a high shot was missed by the officials that may have given Gilbert a shot at goal for the lead after time had expired.
The Highlanders meet the Reds back in Dunedin next weekend, while the Hurricanes head on their bye week.
Read how the game unfolded with RNZ's live blog:
Team lists
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. TK Howden, 7. Sean Withy, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Sam Gilbert
Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. James Arscott, 22. Ajay Faleafaga, 23. Jake Te Hiwi
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Jacob Devery, 3. Tevita Mafileo, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Zach Gallagher, 6. Brad Shields (cc), 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Harry Godfrey, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Bailyn Sullivan, 14. Ngatungane Punivai, 15. Ruben Love
Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Tyrel Lomax, 18. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 19. Brayden Iose, 20. Jordi Viljoen, 21. Riley Hohepa, 22. Fatafehi Fineanganofo
