The western force were undone in a frenetic 39-31 Super Rugby Pacific clash in Dunedin as the Highlanders mounted a second-half comeback to win at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The lead changed hands six times in a match that saw Caleb Tangitau score twice in the second half and a late penalty seal the result. The result denied the visitors a rare back-to-back win in New Zealand and delivered a timely lift for a Highlanders side under pressure.
Game-changing second half and decisive scores
The Highlanders overturned a 21-17 halftime deficit as Timoci Tavatavanawai repowered his side with two massive midfield surges that swung momentum. Jonah Lowe grabbed a brace for the hosts and Caleb Tangitau crossed twice in the second half to open an eight-point buffer late in the hour. A late penalty goal then extended the margin and secured a 39-31 finish at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The visitors had looked strong earlier. A 50-20 from Hamish Stewart shifted possession and territory, and Ben Donaldson combined with Stewart to put the Force on the front foot before halftime. The western force replied through a string of tries — Vaolini Ekuasi, Jeremy Williams, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and George Bridge all crossed for the visitors — ensuring the Highlanders did not take a winning bonus point despite the comeback.
Western Force fightback falls short
The Force briefly reclaimed control in the second half, with a prolific flanker Carlo Tizzano and former All Blacks winger George Bridge crossing in quick succession to swing the momentum back. The visitors led at halftime and looked poised to notch consecutive wins on New Zealand soil for the first time since 2008, but the home side’s quickfire responses and late-stage pressure proved decisive. A turnover inside the final quarter allowed the Highlanders the field position needed for the decisive penalty that closed out the match.
Immediate reactions from key figures
Timoci Tavatavanawai, captain of the Highlanders, said: “It’s great for us after a chaos week. ” He added, “I really feel for our coach but we’re grateful that we have him for the next few years. ” The remarks underlined the emotional lift for the Highlanders after a turbulent period that left the coach at the center of attention. Jamie Joseph, the Highlanders coach, was referenced in the aftermath as having missed out on a recent high-profile role to Dave Rennie, a fact that heightened the significance of the victory for the squad and staff.
Referee Ben O’Keefe played a part in a pivotal moment when he awarded a pick-and-drive try to the Force captain Jeremy Williams after an initially close call at the line. That decision, and a number of momentum shifts, contributed to a seesaw contest that featured six lead changes.
Quick context and what comes next
The Highlanders, wooden spooners last year, had won only one of their previous nine matches and were, midway through the second half, staring at a run of consecutive defeats to Australian opposition. The comeback ends a run of poor results and gives the home side a crucial morale boost.
Both teams will move quickly to regroup: the Highlanders will try to build on the emotional lift from this victory while the western force must regroup after surrendering a lead late in the contest and rue the missed chance to secure back-to-back wins in New Zealand. Observers can expect continued scrutiny of selection and execution from both sides as the competition progresses.
