RECAP: The Highlanders have survived a nervous finish for a 31-26 win over the NSW Waratahs in Dunedin.
The Waratahs launched a late comeback to give themselves a chance late but couldn't find a way through on the siren, going down again in the dying moments.
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The Highlanders looked a class above early as they built a 28-7 lead at the break.
But the class of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii rallied the visitors, with a red card to Jona Nareki setting up the grandstand finish.
Sid Harvey scored with two minutes to go, but it was too little, too late as the hosts kept their finals chances alive.
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Highlanders 31-26: The Waratahs' hopes of a dream comeback are dashed as Timoci Tavatavanawai gets the game winning turnover, his third of the night
He wins the penalty on the 22 for Cam Millar to wind down the clock and seal the win.
Highlanders 28-26: A beauty of a set play from the lineout puts Sid Harvey through the hole and he races through for the try.
Harvey goes through untouched after getting the inside pass on the 22, breaking clear to set up a grandstand finish.
Highlanders 28-19: Cameron Millar misses a crucial three points to all but win the game for the hosts.
Their defence again comes up with the penalty, isolating Jack Bowen to set up an easy three for the flyhalf, however, it slams into the posts!
Highlanders 28-19: The Waratahs are suddenly back inside the Highlanders 22 after a wicked bounce goes their way.
Teddy Wilson's box kick bounces straight to Sid Harvey, who chips ahead as they scramble to force the Highlanders to clear from their in-goal.
The Waratahs again stuff their lineout up and give the Highlanders prime field position.
Highlanders 28-19: This time, there's no deying the Waratahs as Clem Haloholo dives over.
Haloholo powers over from close to the line as the Waratahs finally get their try.
Highlanders 28-12: Finally the Waratahs are through and it's Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who delivers.
The centres steps back inside and beats his man to give the visitors life.
Or has he? The TMO stops the kick-off as there's a knock on from the Waratahs in the build up.
Highlanders 28-12: The Waratahs are pressing but still can't find a way through.
A bold flick pass finds the touch-line, however, they get a scrum five metres out to attack again, with Sid Harvey narrowly going into touch to deny the try.
Highlanders 28-12: The Waratahs are camped inside the hosts' 22 but can't find a way through.
They are first held up, before Timoci Tavatavanawai gets over the ball for the penalty five metres out.
But there's more trouble for the hosts, with Jona Nareki's card updated to a red card.
Highlanders 28-12: Sensational work from Sid Harvey but the winger coughs it up right at the line.
Harvey and Jorgensen combine to put the fullback through, however, the rookie drops the return ball with no one on him!
Highlanders 28-12: The frustrations are showing for the Waratahs after Sid Harvey takes offence to a late tackle.
It comes shortly after Jack Barrett is hit in the head by Jona Nareki, seeing the centre go for ten.
Highlanders 28-12: The Waratahs win some rare scrum penalties but their lineout lets them down.
They launch their attack from just inside the Highlanders half, only to be met by an impressive defence that forces the error.
Highlanders 28-12: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens dives over for what looked to be his second but it's brought back for a knock-on.
The fullback collects the loose ball and runs away but it's a clear knock on from Jona Nareki, ruled a scrum to the visitors.
Highlanders 28-12: Apolosi Ranawai dives over with his first touch on the field but it's all Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Suaalii powered through the line and the Waratahs are brought down before the line, with the prop backing up the next phase for his debut try.
Highlanders 28-7: The Highlanders go back on the attack after another Waratahs mistake in attack.
Charlie Gamble comes up with the ruck turnover to win the penalty that allows them to clear their line.
Highlanders 28-7: The Waratahs can't find a way through as they are parked on the halfway line.
They amass over 20 phases but can't find a hole as the Highlanders force the knock-on and dominant scrum push for the penalty advantage.
The hosts then march down the field, with only a desperate turnover from Pete Samu stopping another Highlanders try.
Highlanders 28-7: Jonah Lowe dives over in the corner as the Highlanders restore their lead.
Quick hands has the Waratahs short of numbers, with the winger picking up the loose ball to cross despite a brief interruption from the TMO to check a potential knock on.
Highlanders 21-7: The Highlanders' scrum is causing all sorts of chaos as the Waratahs have little answer.
They keep turning to it and keep winning penalties, parked deep inside the visitors 22.
Highlanders 21-7: Caleb Tangitau produces another piece of magic for a 50-22.
The winger intercepts a Waratahs attack and puts on the boot, trickling out on the five metre line
Highlanders 21-7: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen are starting to find their groove as they break clear from their own line.
The hosts rally to force the error from the pair, only heightened by another penalty against the Waratahs at scrum-time, then marched for back chat.
Highlanders 21-7: The Waratahs instantly take advantage of the space as Andrew Kellaway dots down.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen combine to find Kellaway, stepping three to dive over.
Highlanders 21-0: A moment of relief for the Waratahs as Timoci Tavatavanawai goes to the bin for a cynical foul.
It comes off a half break from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, with the centre hunting for the ruck pilfer but not paid the turnover, instead pinged for slowly down the play cynically.
Highlanders 21-0: Pure nightmare stuff for the Waratahs as Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens adds to the lead.
Another penalty against them has the visitors defending their line, with Cam Millar delivering the long ball to the edge, going back inside for the fullback to score.
Highlanders 14-0: The Waratahs are all at sea as Caleb Tangitau breaks them open again and hands it off to his scrumhalf Adam Lennox.
It takes a remarkable try-saver from Jake Gordon and Andrew Kellaway to bring down Lennox at the try-line.
Highlanders 14-0: Caleb Tangitau gets his own five pointer with a remarkable solo effort.
Adam Lennox gets the Waratahs on the back foot with a quick tap from a scrum penalty as his winger collects the ball at the base of the ruck, beating four Waratahs for the try.
Highlanders 7-0: The wingers combine nicely as Caleb Tanigtau sets Jonah Lowe up for the opener.
Tangitau bursts through the tackle of Suaalii and races away, drawing the defence for Lowe to cross.
Very strong defensive showing from the Highlanders gives them a prime chance to attack.
They first force Sid Harvey to chip out on the full, then isolate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and come up with the penalty on halfway.
Lawson Creighton has the ball in hand and kicks off in this crucial contest.
Jack Debreczeni leads the Waratahs out in his 100th Super Rugby game, with the visitors going long with their kick-off, with the Highlanders making an early mistake on their 22 to give the Waratahs a chance to strike.
Tries: Lowe, Tanigtau, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 2
Cons: Millar 4/4
Pens: Millar 1/2
Tries: Kellaway, Ranawai, Halaholo, Harvey
Cons: Harvey 3/4
Pens:
Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the NSW Waratahs' vital match-up against the Highlanders.
It's a must-win game for both teams as they fight for their finals hopes, needing victory to stay in touch with the top six.
A slight tweak from Wednesday's team naming, with Henry Bell on the bench after he was initially not named when the teams were published.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Tomas Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Nikora Broughton, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jona Nareki, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Dan Botha, Miles Amatosero, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon (c), Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Jack Barrett, Apolosi Ranawai, Clem Halaholo, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Harry Potter
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, George Myers
TMO: James Leckie
The Highlanders' clash with the Waratahs will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 2:00 pm with kickoff expected at 2:35 pm.
