The Highlanders have seen off a late charge from Moana Pasifika for the 27-17 win in Christchurch.
Facing the prospect of a second straight game going to Super Point, the hosts rallied several late advances to hold on for the victory.
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Both teams set the tempo for a physical opening quarter, Moana Pasifika performing Tau Moana as the Highlanders returned with Hautoa Kia Toa.
The Highlanders had the better of the chances early, testing the visitors defence as they dominated field position.
Moana Pasifika kept them out on several occasions before Semisi Paea’s yellow card opened the space for Jonah Lowe to score the opener.
Tana Umaga’s side weren’t fazed by the yellow card, with Israel Leota scoring one of the tries of the year.
The Brisbane-bred product flew high and took a spectacular catch flying over Xavier Tito-Harris for the try in the corner off William Havili’s kick, who was moved to fly-half after Patrick Pellegrini’s sickening KO.
Moana Pasifika would soon have the lead before the break when ex-Rebel Glen Vaihu swan dived over, taking advantage of the space left after Lowe was yellow carded for a high shot.
This gave the visitors a 10-7 lead at half-time, with the Highlanders quick to level the scores after the break with a penalty.
The hosts rode the confidence from here, with tries to Angus Ta’avao and Adam Lennox giving them a 24-10 lead.
Lennox was one of several players playing out of position as the casualty ward grew, with the scrum half latching onto a kick and running away for what would be the deciding try.
The visitors gave themselves a shot at sending the game to Super Point after Augustine Palu somersaulted over the line for a try with 15 minutes to go.
They created several half breaks and chances but never found themselves in a position for the killer blow as the Highlanders survived.
A bloody Cameron Millar denied Moana Pasifika the bonus point with a late penalty goal, keeping themselves in touch with the top six.
