Savea's try not enough as Highlanders hold on for win

Today at 06:09 AM

FRIDAY WRAP: The Highlanders have found a way to hold on for a 31-29 win over Moana Pasifika to start Culture Round.

The visitors built a 21-point lead heading into the break before the winless Moana Pasifika mounted a comeback.

It led to nervous final moments for the Highlanders, holding on to go top of the table for the time being.

Meanwhile, the hosts are left to wonder what could've been after scoring more tries than the Highlanders.

The Highlanders were forced into late changes, with Nathan Hastie and Michael Manson coming into the starting side.

The new faces delivered instantly, with the winger beating three before offloading to the scrum half for the opener.

It allowed them to build a 10-0 lead before Moana Pasifika hit back.

Prop Sione Mafileo dived over for their opening points from close before some sharp hands to fullback William Havili levelled the score.

It gave the visitors momentum as they pressed the Highlanders in their first home back of the season.

However, winger Caleb Tangitau was quick to take it back for the Highlanders, snatching an intercept from 90 metres out and racing away from chasing defenders for the try.

Minutes later, a dropped bomb provided the chance to extend the margin as centre Tanielu Tele'a finished it off.

When lock Mitchell Dunshea slammed over close to the line, the Highlanders were suddenly heading into the break for a 31-10 advantage heading into the sheds.

Ardie Savea inspired the hosts with a solo effort right after the break to get them back into the contest.

Havili crossed for his second with 15 minutes to go, with Semisi Tupou Ta'elioa diving over to set up the grandstand finish.

In the end, the Highlanders' goal-kicking proved the difference as they closed out the victory.

Elsewhere, a 76th-minute penalty try has delivered the NSW Waratahs a 29-24 win over the Fijian Drua in Sydney.

Dan McKellar's side remain unbeaten after fighting their way back in front late once again.

See below for Friday's scores and scorers!

Moana Pasifika 29 - 31 Highlanders

The scorers:

For Moana Pasifika:
Tries: Havili 2, Savea, Mafileo, Ta'elioa;
Cons: Pellegrini 2

For Highlanders:
Tries: Hastie, Tangitau, Tele'a, Dunshea;
Cons: Gilbert 4
Pen: Gilbert

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Pepesana Patafilo, 12 Danny Toala , 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Sione Mafile'o, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 James Lay.
Replacements: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Samuel Slade, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Tevita Ofa.

Highlanders: 15 Finn Hurley, 14 Sam Gilbert, 13 Tanielu Tele'a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), 11 Caleb Tangitau, 10 Taine Robinson, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Sefo Kautai, 2 Soane Mikaele Vikena, 1 Josh Bartlett.
Replacements: 16 Jack Taylor, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Saula Ma'u, 19 Will Stodart, 20 TK Howden, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Cameron Millar, 23 Jake Te Hiw.

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Marcus Playle

Waratahs 29-24 Fijian Drua

For NSW Waratahs:
Tries: Gleeson 2, Porecki, Penalty try
Cons: Edmed 2
Pen: Edmed

For Fijian Drua:
Tries: Loganimasi 2, Karawalevu, Dolokoto
Cons: Muntz. Armstrong-Ravula

Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Henry O'Donnell, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jack Gordon (Captain), 8 Langi Gleeson, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Hugh Sinclair, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Ben Grant, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Triston Reilly

Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Ponipate Loganimasi, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Vuate Karawalevu, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Meli Derenlagi, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Joseva Tamani,, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila,, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Haereiti Hetet,.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Etonia Waqa, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Kemu Valetini

Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referee: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter
TMO: James Leckie

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