Saturday 22 April 2017 08:57, UK
Matt Faddes scored two second half tries to help the Dunedin-based Highlanders to a flattering 40-15 win over Japan's Sunwolves in Super Rugby on Saturday.
The Highlanders, coming off a bye, struggled for most of the match to subdue the Sunwolves before emerging with a bonus point for a win by six tries to two.
A try by All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa after only four minutes suggested the Highlanders were in for a convincing win but the Sunwolves proved competitive for long periods, holding at least even shares of possession in both halves.
Luck played a part in the Highlanders taking a 21-3 lead into half-time. The Sunwolves had a try to Will Tupou disallowed by the television match official while the Highlanders were awarded a try to Liam Squire from what seemed to be a forward pass.
Scrum-half Aaron Smith touched down just before the break to boost the Highlanders' half-time advantage.
Faddes scored immediately after the resumption from a brilliant angled run and again in the 50th minute from an intercept to give the Highlanders a 35-3 lead and put the match beyond doubt.
Captain Ben Smith scrambled over four minutes later and, at 40-3, the match was all but over.
But the Sunwolves refused to give up and dominated the final quarter, scoring tries through Willie Britz and Rahboni Warren Vosayaco.
"It wasn't perfect and at times we probably threw a few miracle balls and didn't show them respect," Smith said. "They made us pay at times so there's a bit to work on."
