This article was originally published by Stuff and is reproduced with permission
One can only imagine that Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph delivered a stern message during halftime.
Pestered by unwise decisions and subpar execution, his side managed to rally and secure a 27-17 victory over Moana Pasifika. However, their display in Christchurch on Sunday surely fell short of his expectations.
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Two wins against a struggling Moana Pasifika across just four rounds are the only glimmers of hope for the Highlanders as they face a challenging end to the regular season, commencing in Fiji next week.
Concerns loom over Joseph’s squad following their erratic performance, which remained uncertain until the final moments.
Still, as they often say, a win is a win. Despite the lack of finesse, the penultimate match of the Super Round provided an entertaining spectacle.
The first half epitomised the Highlanders’ struggles in recent years.
Once again, they had no trouble securing possession or breaking through Moana Pasifika’s defence.
However, they squandered a series of prime opportunities with poor decision-making and execution inside the opposition’s 22.
For instance, flanker Veveni Lasaqa missed a chance to redirect play after a brilliant pass from Tanielu Tele’a had opened up the defensive line, with the ball later emerging from a ruck right at the goal line.
This missed opportunity was particularly frustrating for Highlanders fans, especially after Moana Pasifika’s Semisi Paea had just been sent to the sin bin for tackling halfback Adam Lennox from an offside position following a quick tap.
The pattern of repeated errors seemed like it might push Joseph to the brink of frustration.
Finally, the Highlanders broke the deadlock with a try from wing Jonah Lowe in the 25th minute, following a dynamic run from No 8 Nikora Broughton deep into opposing territory.
Despite this, they found themselves trailing 10-7 at halftime against a team that lost their fly-half, Patrick Pellegrini, early on due to a heavy collision with Cam Millar.
Israel Leota scored the highlight try, leaping to catch a cross-field kick in a visually stunning manner.
His impressive performance, along with powerful runs from No.8 Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa, who could attract interest from other clubs if Moana Pasifika fails to last through 2026, set up wing Glen Vaihu’s try.
Vaihu, with his strength and quick footwork, delivered a powerful fend on Millar, placing Moana Pasifika in a strong position to end their eight-match losing streak. But, it was not meant to be.
The Highlanders began the second half with determination, equalising through a penalty from Millar, before prop Angus Ta’avao crossed the line from close range.
When fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens executed a remarkable grubber kick for Lennox, allowing him to sprint 40 metres to score, it seemed the Highlanders would secure a comfortable victory.
Not so fast.
This Highlanders side does not make things easy for themselves, left to anxiously await the final outcome after Augustine Pulu cut through their defence, bringing Moana within striking distance with 14 minutes on the clock.
They created chances to push for a sudden-death finish, only for their lack of execution to ultimately hinder them.
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