Highlanders race back into contention
The two tries to one win by the Highlanders – which left the Brumbies empty handed and slipping further behind the tournament pace-setters – came after two consecutive defeats.
Lima Sopoaga scored 18 of the Highlanders' points – including three vital penalties late in the game.
The Highlanders, who dealt with the rainy conditions far better than the visitors, the win was a result of resolute defence and occasional moments of brilliance.
The Highlanders were forced to make 160 tackles to 37 for the Brumbies, who won the rucks and maul count 145-38.
"In that first half the Brumbies had a lot of momentum, but couldn't turn it into points. Our defence was really good and we managed to keep them out," Highlanders skipper Ben Smith said.
"What we pride ourselves on is our defence and being able to work really hard for each other and get to the spots we need our mates to get to."
Both sides entered the clash at Super Rugby's southern-most outpost desperate to snap out of mid-season slumps.
The defending champion Highlanders had fallen off the pace with losses to the Reds and Sharks in their last two matches, while the Brumbies slipped to second in the Australian conference when beaten by the Crusaders last week.
Despite the slippery ball resulting in handling errors, there was a willingness to play at pace although points were not easy to come by in the tight first half.
The Brumbies, having tried and failed with three line-out drives when Sam Carter was penalised each time for obstruction, hit the front 3-0 with a Christian Lealiifano penalty after 15 minutes.
It was not until the stroke of half-time that the Highlanders turned the scoreboard to go into the break with a 7-3 lead.
A well-weighted Ben Smith kick forced the Brumbies onto their own line where they conceded a five-metre scrum and a long Aaron Smith pass put Sopoaga outside three defenders and he crossed unopposed for the try.
Ben Smith stretched the lead to 14-3 early in the second half touching down after Malakai Fekitoa bumped off an attempted Tevita Kuridrani tackle.
But the Brumbies were not done and found the answer to their rolling maul woes was to throw to Carter in the line-out rather than use him as a block and the big lock duly obliged by winning the ball for hooker Josh Mann-Rea to score.
At 14-10 to the Highlanders with 30 minutes to play the outcome was in the balance before a succession of infringements by the Brumbies allowed Sopoaga to stretch the difference to a comfortable margin.
Man of the match: Tomas Cubelli has certainly grown into his role as the Brumbies' link-man behind the pack, Scott Fardy was as busy as ever and Josh Mann-Rea had one of his best games. However, the influence of David Pocock – after his return from suspension – was undeniable. You never have to look much further than the Smiths – Ben and Aaron – to see value in a Highlanders performance. Liam Squire and Shane Christie also put in their usual workman-like performances. Dan Pryor also made an immediate impact after coming on as a second-half replacement. However, the crucial plays all came from Highlanders flyhalf Lima Sopoaga – which is why he wins our award.
The scorers:
For the Highlanders:
Tries: Sopoaga, B Smith
Cons: Sopoaga 2
Pens: Sopoaga 2
For the Brumbies:
Try: Mann-Rea
Con: Lealiifano
Pen: Lealiifano
Yellow card: Jack Wilson (Highlanders, 11 – foul play, high tackle)
Teams:
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Jack Wilson, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Liam Squire, 7 Shane Christie (co-captain), 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Siosiua Halanukonuka, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Dan Pryor, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Matt Faddes.
Brumbies: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Robbie Coleman, 10 Christian Lealiifano (captain), 9 Tomás Cubelli, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Allan Alaalatoa.
Replacements: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Blake Enever, 21 Jordan Smiler, 22 Joe Powell, 23 James Dargaville.
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
