Hurricanes survive controversial finish against Highlanders

The Hurricanes have survived a tight and controversial finish for a 20-18 victory over the Highlanders – just their second win of the season.

A topsy-turvy match finished with the Hurricanes on top – just – and they were probably deserved winners given the way they came back from a 11-8 halftime deficit and controlled the match a little better than their southern opponents in Dunedin.

But with the Highlanders dominating possession – and failing to capitalise - in the final dozen minutes, the home side had solid claims for a late penalty for a high tackle by Hurricanes midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen on star Highlanders wing Caleb Tangitau.

Umaga-Jensen caught Tangitau high around the neck area in the dying moments – a clear penalty not spotted by any of the three match on-field match officials. As it did not meet the yellow card threshold, the TV match official could not intervene.

Highlanders fullback Sam Gilbert still had a chance to win it two minutes after the final siren with a dropped goal, but he pushed it well left of the posts. Earlier, with 12 minutes remaining, Gilbert had a far easier penalty which would have allowed his side to take the lead but it was another miss.

The Hurricanes had their defensive pressure, and more particularly their breakdown intensity, to thank for their win, and few were more engaged than their skipper Du’Plessi Kirifi, who won a crucial penalty turnover on his own line as the minutes ticked by.

Wing Kini Naholo had put the Hurricanes ahead with an early unconverted try but the visitors were soon at a numerical disadvantage when midfielder Ngane Punivai knocked himself out trying to tackle opposite Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Unfortunately for Punivai, his effort in running into the Highlanders’ shoulder also earned him a yellow card – a real case of adding insult to injury.

The Hurricanes coped well despite his absence, but Tangitau – dangerous throughout - announced his presence with an intercept and 70m run for a crucial try late in the half. Tangitau, outnumbered on defence, took a risk and it paid off handsomely for the former New Zealand sevens star.

A Cam Roigard try from an unselfish assist by Bailyn Sullivan was an excellent response after the break for the Hurricanes and the Highlanders, struggling for penetration, had a chance to narrow the deficit with a kickable penalty, only for replacement first-five Ajay Faleafaga to kick the ball dead when going for the corner.

However, he soon redeemed himself, Tangitau taking a quick penalty tap and kicking up the middle of the field with the ball bouncing beautifully for Faleafaga who went over for a converted try. Advantage Highlanders.

Hurricanes fullback Ruben Love had something to say about that with a stunning finish of his own, however – the No.15 almost somersaulting into the corner.

Try as they might, the Highlanders couldn’t make up the difference in the final 17 minutes.

From last place, the Hurricanes are suddenly up to seventh on the table.

Hurricanes 20 (Kini Naholo, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love tries; Harry Godfrey pen, con)

Highlanders 18 (Caleb Tangitau, Ajay Faleafaga tries; Sam Gilbert 2 pens, con)

Halftime: Highlanders 11-8