Highlanders add to Stormers’ woes

THE Highlanders extended the Stormers’ losing streak on New Zealand soil to 10 matches on Friday with a 33-15 bonus point win in Dunedin.

The Highlanders ran in five tries to two against the South Africans, including a brace for All Black fullback Aaron Smith, making it two wins from two for the season.

The Stormers now have only one win from four, despite dominating territory, leaving captain Siya Kolisi frustrated at his side’s error rate on attack.

“It’s the same story every time we didn’t hold onto the ball, we didn’t come away with points when we got to the 22 and they did,” he said.

Highlanders captain Ben Smith was pleased his players handled the physical challenge meted out by the Stormers, who face the Auckland Blues at home on Saturday. The Stormers conceded early despite coach Robbie Fleck’s remarks before the match about the need to avoid last week’s horror start against the Crusaders.

All Black flanker Liam Squire crossed for a fivepointer to finish a movement that began deep within the Highlanders’ own half, but the Stormers rallied to strike back with two tries and take the lead.

However, the Highlanders were 19-15 up at half time and only desperate Stormers defence prevented them scoring either side of the break.

The pressure eventually told when Luke Whitelock bulldozed his way over the line after a break.

The Highlanders looked to hit on the counter as the Stormers attacked in the final quarter but squandered two opportunities through handling errors.

Aaron Smith then put the result beyond doubt with two minutes to go.