The Highlanders defied a lengthy injury list to snatch a 23-19 comeback Super Rugby win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Down 19-9 early in the second half, the southerners showed plenty of spirit to strike back with two tries before holding out a strong finish by the Chiefs on Saturday night.
Centre Tamati Ellison, who arrived back in New Zealand only on Thursday after completing his club commitments in Japan, was among the Highlanders’ best with a hardworking effort.
Flanker Adam Thomson also impressed, winning a ton of ball at lineout time, and he and Ellison played a crucial role in their side’s first try.
For the Chiefs, under new coach Dave Rennie, defeat was compounded by injuries to prop Ben Afeaki (arm), halfback Brendon Leonard (hamstring) and winger Lelia Masaga (knee), with Afeaki lasting just eight minutes.
There were also uncontested scrums over the last six minutes after replacement prop Toby Smith hobbled off with a calf problem.
The Chiefs’ star-studded backline had their moments, with inside centre Sonny Bill Williams producing some characteristic offloads, but they didn’t see enough of the ball.
The Highlanders made most of the running in the opening spell, dominating territory and possession.
They showed a willingness to move the ball wide, but their only reward was three penalty goals by five-eighth Chris Noakes.
They were also made to pay for an error that led to the match’s opening try, when halfback Jimmy Cowan’s inside pass fell loose and was snapped up the Chiefs.
Five-eighth Aaron Cruden and centre Richard Kahui both made darts downfield before the ball was worked to Masaga, who powered his way over.
Cruden converted and also knocked over three penalties to give the home side a 16-9 halftime lead.
Another Cruden penalty nudged the Chiefs further ahead, before the Highlanders struck back with a try to replacement halfback Aaron Smith.
The try was set up by a slick Thomson pass to Ellison, who put Smith over.
The visitors hit the front minutes later when substitute hooker Jason Rutledge produced a superb effort to charge down a Cruden clearing kick, regather and pass to unmarked centre Phil Burleigh to score.
