The Highlanders had to withstand a brilliant Moana Pasifika comeback in the second half, and world-class performance by Ardie Savea, to shut them out 31-29.
Savea was simply inspirational in the No 7 jersey, winning multiple breakdown turnover and carrying would-be tacklers over the advantage line.
He also scored a brilliant individual try by winning a high ball contest and sprinting 45 metres to the try line, while the All Black flanker and Highlanders No 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai seemed to enjoy a personal duel throughout the game.
Savea and Tavatavanawai were like a pair of heavyweight boxers at time, slugging it out in the middle of the ring, with Savea taking the points decision.
But the star of the show for the Highlanders was halfback Nathan Hastie, who wasn’t even named in the starting XV when it was announced on Wednesday.
Hastie was a replacement for Fakatava, who was ruled out on Thursday, and produced a fine all-round performance.
The 23-year-old No 9’s left boot constantly pushed Moana Pasifika deep into their own territory or put them under kick-chase pressure and indirectly led to two tries.
Hastie, Fabian Holland, Caleb Tangitau and Tavatavanawai showed enough quality between them to get their side over the line, although it was a performance that was filled with errors.
The Highlanders were guilty of woeful discipline at times - with hooker Soane Vikena the main culprit at the start of the game.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph had seen enough by halftime and replaced him with Jack Taylor.
For Moana Pasifika, replacement No 10 Patrick Pellegrini was excellent off the bench and almost guided them to a famous comeback win in their first game at the new North Harbour home.
Moana Pasifika host the Hurricanes next Saturday, while the Highlanders have the bye - and a chance to give their injured players a week off.
In other matches, the Chiefs will play the Brumbies at 3.35 this afternoon, the Hurricanes will meet the Blues at 6.05 tonight, and the Force will take on the Reds at 8.35pm.
[Source: Stuff.co]
