Highlanders see off Cheetahs
The Highlanders held off a late fightback from the Cheetahs to record a 24-21 victory at Carisbrook.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 08/04/11 10:57am
The Highlanders held off a late fightback from the Cheetahs to record a 24-21 victory at Carisbrook.
Flanker Adam Thomson scored two tries as he strengthened his claims for a recall to the New Zealand, while fly-half Colin Slade also impressed with his incisive running for the hosts.
Slade slotted over three conversions and penalty, while centre Kendrick Lynn also crossed for a try.
However the Highlanders really should have run away with the victory as they dominated possession and territory.
Pressure
The hosts had led 17-0 and 24-14 before the Cheetahs set up a tense finale.
WP Nel, Robert Ebersohn and Phillip Burger scored tries for the visitors, with Sias Ebersohn adding three conversions.
And the Highlanders were left relieved that Sias Ebersohn was off target with two of his penalty efforts.
"At times there I thought we played some of the best rugby of the year there," Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh said.
"We were trying to be positive ...but we probably put ourselves under too much pressure by turning over too much ball."
