Highlanders seal win in opener

– A 14-man Highlanders came from behind to kick off the Super Rugby season with a thrilling 30-27 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton yesterday.

All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith’s late try sealed the win for the Highlanders, who had Sio Tomkinson sent off for a high shot on Brodie Retallick.

They trailed 19-10 at halftime, and captain Ben Smith said they had to dig deep for the away win.

“It was a hell of a battle and what better way to set the tone for Super Rugby,” he said, after the first match of the 2019 season.

“We adjusted well when Sio went off and managed to maintain the game and scrape home.” – AFP