Super Rugby: Elliot Dixon's two tries ease Highlanders past Jaguares
By Reuters
Last Updated: 10/07/16 7:43am
All Blacks flanker Elliot Dixon scored two tries to ensure the Otago Highlanders qualified for Super Rugby's playoffs with a 34-8 victory over the Jaguares on Saturday.
The Highlanders' win moved them to 48 points and ensured New Zealand sides claimed four of the five places available to the Australasian group in the quarter-finals, following the Waikato Chiefs (51), Canterbury Crusaders (50) and Wellington Hurricanes (48).
Both the ACT Brumbies and New South Wales Waratahs are locked on 39 points and only one can advance to the quarter-finals as the group winners of the Australian conference.
Boosted by the arrival of five All Blacks from international duty, the Highlanders made a flying start with full-back Ben Smith crossing in the second minute, before inside centre Rob Thompson finished off a swift counter-attack after the hosts had turned the ball over in midfield.
Back came the Jaguares though as they laid seige to the Highlanders' 22 for the next 15 minutes, only for the Highlanders to eventually steal back possession and sweep downfield for Dixon to finish off.
The Jaguares, essentially an Argentine national side, had Juan Martin Hernandez score after a superb counter-attack created a massive overlap to let the inside centre stroll over.
But Highlanders fly-half Lima Sopoaga, who had converted all three tries, added a penalty to give his side a 24-8 lead at the break, which he extended to 27-8 with his second penalty just after half-time.
Dixon's second try in the 64th minute then sealed the game.
The Highlanders clash with the Chiefs next week in Dunedin as New Zealand's dominant sides jostle for final positions.
