This article was originally published on Stuff and is reproduced with permission
All Blacks Ethan de Groot and Folau Fakatava have lifted the Highlanders to their third win in succession, but they had to overcome a spirited Moana Pasifika side and a poor first half.
The Highlanders missed 19 tackles in the first spell alone and their discipline was substandard for long periods, with lock Pari Pari Parkinson a repeat offender.
However, de Groot monstered the Moana Pasifika scrum in a highly impressive 61-minute shift and Fakatava provided the attacking spark off the bench to set up tries to Mosese Dawai and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u in the final quarter – securing the all-important bonus point in a 45-17 win.
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Moana Pasifika showed improvement after their heavy loss to the Hurricanes last week.
Levu Aumua showed his immense strength in the Moana Pasifika midfield, frequently taking two or three defenders to take him to ground.
With halfback Ere Enari finding plenty of willing runners close to the ruck, the home side asked plenty of questions of the Highlanders on defence with their sheer physicality.
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As expected, winger Timoci Tavatavanawai beat defenders every time he got the ball, while the Highlanders also heaped pressure on themselves with their poor discipline.
Despite playing into the wind, Moana Pasifika were unfortunate not to head into the sheds in the lead, but they couldn’t capitalise on a great opportunity just before break.
With three tries in the bank, the Highlanders led 19-17 at halftime and they squeezed the Moana Pasifika pack in the second 40 minutes, and Thomas Umaga-Jensen’s excellent late try was the icing on the cake.
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But, they were again dogged by injuries.
Big lock and lineout caller Will Tucker went off for an HIA after just 26 minutes and did not return.
Parkinson also left the field in the third quarter, forcing All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell to operate as a lock in his return to action.
Fakatava catches Moana defence napping
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