In the lead up to this weekend’s semi final, let’s re-live some recent matches between the Waratahs and the Highlanders.
Waratahs v Highlanders Round 5 2015
Highlanders won 26-19
The Waratahs travelled to Dunedin earlier this year where they were defeated 26-19 by the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Waratahs got out to a 12-0 lead through tries to Nick Phipps and Matt Carraro. The Highlanders then went on to score 26 unanswered points with tries to Tom Franklin, Ben Smith, Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo.
Handling errors and impatience costed the Waratahs several opportunities but Stephen Hoiles closed the gap to 26-19 after the Waratahs finally broke through the Highlanders defence in the final minutes of the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szU50KS3c5Y
Waratahs v Highlanders Round 18 2014
Waratahs won 44-16
In their lead up to winning the Super Rugby tournament, the Waratahs smashed the Highlanders 44-16 at the back end of the season last year. The match was very close at half time with the Waratahs just in front 11-9 with a try to Rob Horne and a couple of penalties to each team.
The match then opened up in the second half with 5 tries by Israel Folau, Sekope Kepu, Nick Phipps, Jacques Potgieter and Taqele Naiyaravoro. The Highlanders also scored a late try via Phil Burleigh to bring the score to 44-16.
Waratahs v Highlanders Trial Match 2014
Waratahs won 19-16
The Waratahs scraped through with a three point victory over the Highlanders at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle in the Waratah’s last trial match of 2014. A try to Shane Christie and penalties to Ben Smith and Lima Sopoaga brought the Highlanders to 16 points whilst the Waratahs scored three tries through Peter Betham, Michael Hooper and Bernard Foley.
Chiefs v Highlanders 2015 Qualifying Final
Highlanders won 24-14
The Highlanders earned their spot in the semi finals after defeating the Chiefs in a breath-taking encounter in Dunedin. All Black squad member and 2015 Super Rugby top try scorer Waisake Naholo scored a double. The match was played at a frenetic pace which was highlighted by big hits and plenty of running rugby. Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick crossed over for a try but it was too late as the Highlanders sealed a 10 point victory.
