In a nail-biting Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday night, the Hurricanes edged past the Highlanders with a tense 20-18 victory in Dunedin. Highlanders’ fullback Sam Gilbert had a chance to clinch a last-minute win but his drop goal attempt just went wide after the full-time siren, leaving the home team devastated.
Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai expressed his frustration to referee Angus Mabey regarding a high tackle by Hurricanes centre Peter Umaga-Jensen in the lead-up to the decisive moments of the game, but his appeals were ignored. This win allowed the Hurricanes, last year’s minor premiers, to secure crucial points, moving them temporarily to seventh place with a 2-3 record as they head into their bye week.
Key performances came from All Blacks players Cam Roigard and Ruben Love, both scoring tries for the Hurricanes, alongside winger Kini Naholo. The Highlanders saw efforts from Caleb Tangitau, who had a standout intercept try, and Ajay Faleafaga, contributing to their total.
The match featured teams wearing special kits themed after Marvel superheroes, with the Highlanders in Hulk attire and the Hurricanes in Captain America gear. Tavatavanawai showcased his formidable physicality, notably sending Hurricanes winger Ngatungane Punivai backwards with a powerful tackle, which led to Punivai receiving medical attention and subsequently being substituted under head injury assessment protocols, following a controversial yellow card issued by the referee.
Former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall noted that the decision was justified, citing the defender’s responsibility to avoid head contact, resulting in a penalty for foul play. Tavatavanawai has been lauded for his brute strength this season, with Marshall advocating for his inclusion in the All Blacks squad for an upcoming series against France, likening his prowess to that of legendary centre Ma’a Nonu.
The match concluded with the Hurricanes claiming the victory, bolstered by strong performances from their key players, while the Highlanders were left to regroup after a narrow loss. Final scores were Hurricanes 20, with tries from Naholo, Roigard, and Love, and the Highlanders 18, featuring tries from Tangitau and Faleafaga.