Defending Super Rugby champions Highlanders hang on to deny Brumbies a spot in the semi-finals
Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire score tries as Kiwi side survive tense finish to win 15-9 in Canberra in the first quarter-final
Defending champions Highlanders survived a tense finish to eliminate the ACT Brumbies 15-9 and qualify for the Super Rugby semi-finals in Canberra on Friday.
The New Zealanders defended grimly in the final stages as the Australian conference champions went after a converted try that would have given them victory on a wet wintry night in the national capital.
The Dunedin-based visitors scored two tries with fly-half Lima Sopoaga landing a conversion and a penalty to steer his team into next week’s semi-finals.
The Highlanders, who have played in South Africa, Argentina and Australia this month to keep their title bid alive, were the better side for the most part to win their first game in Canberra for 10 years.
Winger Waisake Naholo and number eight Liam Squire scored tries in either half with the Brumbies keeping within reach, but unable to get the clinching try in a desperate finish.
The Brumbies thought they had scored the clinching try by replacement Lausii Taliauli five minutes from time, but the video referee could not adjudicate on a clear grounding of the ball.
