Match Details

Highlanders (NZ)

VS

Chiefs (NZ)

34

Queenstown Kick off times: 2:35pm (Local) Sat 7 Apr 12:35pm (AEST) Sat 7 Apr

38

All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu showed another string to his bow with a standout display at fullback as the Chiefs beat the Highlanders 38-34 in a Invetsec Super 14 thriller at the Queenstown Events Centre on Saturday.

Sivivatu scored two tries and sparked the Chiefs backs as they just repelled the Highlanders in a see-saw match before a crowd of about 10,000.

Both sides scored five tries each, but the Chiefs held the weight of possession and deserved their win, but they had to work all the way against a Highlanders side which played with much more enterprise than in most previous games.

First five-eighths Stephen Donald controlled play well for the Chiefs and had a perfect kicking record, six from six, which ultimately proved crucial.

Hooker Anton Oliver and lock Hoani MacDonald were outstanding in the Highlanders pack, which was left ruing two lost lineouts in the final stages.

Wing Viliama Waqaseduadua and centre Matt Saunders showed plenty of spark in a Highlanders backline which showed a pleasing willingness to run the ball in perfect conditions.

Donald kicked off for the Chiefs on a fine, sunny afternoon. First five-eighths Nick Evans soon tested the Chiefs with a bomb but right wing Lelia Masaga was safe under the high ball.

The Highlanders suffered a severe blow in the eighth minute when All Black lock James Ryan was stretchered off with damaged medial ligaments in his left knee. He was replaced by Kane Thompson.

Evans missed the first chance to score, his first penalty from just outside the 22 bouncing off the right upright.

Evans bombed the Chiefs' again, and this time the ball was not taken, but the Highlanders were unable to capitalise, Matt Saunders' stab-kick from the ruck going astray.

The Chiefs broke the deadlock after 17 minutes on their first foray deep into Highlanders' territory. They won two phases inside the 22, spread the ball to the right and Sivivatu and No.8 Sione Lauakai created the extra man for second five-eighths Niva Ta'auso to score in the corner. Donald converted to make it 7-0.

But the Highlanders struck back almost immediately with a brilliant try by right wing wing Lucky Mulipola. Oliver and No. 8 Craig Newby combined to give Mulipola the ball in space and, from more than 40 metres, he stood up the defence and sprinted to the corner. Evans converted superbly to tie the scores at 7-all.

And the Highlanders took the lead after 25 minutes from a well-executed try scored by Oliver. Halfback Jimmy Cowan kicked high, Mulipola chased hard, wrestled the ball down and off-loaded to Oliver who stampeded to the corner. Evans missed but the Highlanders led 12-7.

But the Chiefs regained the lead after 30 minutes when Sivivatu scored under the posts after a break by wing Roy Kinikinilau, who drew the last defender. Donald converted to make it 14-12.

Chiefs centre Richard Kahui's wretched run with injury continued when he left the field after 30 minutes and was replaced by Dwayne Sweeney.

Donald kicked a simple penalty and the Chiefs led 17-12.

Wing Viliame Waqaseduadua made a long, penetrating run up the left wing for the Highlanders and, from the ensuing penalty, Evans goaled to narrow the gap to 15-17 at halftime.

Cowan and Newby, who both had niggling injuries, did not return for the second half and were replaced by Toby Morland and Hale T-Pole.

The Chiefs extended their lead six minutes into the second spell when, from an attacking lineout, Sweeney threw a long, cut-out pass to Sivivatu and Masaga had a clear run to the corner. Donald converted to make it 24-15.

The Highlanders struck back immediately, Waqaseduadua toeing the loose ball ahead and gathering to score under the posts. Evans converted and it was 24-22.

But the Chiefs scored their fourth (and bonus point) try two minutes later, Sivivatu threading his way through some sketchy tackling to score by the posts. Donald converted and it was 31-22.

The frenetic pace continued, Muipola scooping a pass of the ground and centre Matt Saunders confusing the defence with an in-out as he raced more than 60 metres to the line. Evans missed the conversion but, at 31-27, it was anyone's game.

And the Highlanders scored their fifth try after 25 minutes, replacement back Charlie Hore making the incision from a lineout and another halfback, Morland, finishing it off under the posts. Hore converted and the Highlanders led 34-31.

But the Chiefs struck back on cue with a concerted attack which ended with Masaga beating the last tackle and scoring his second try in the corner. Donald converted and the Chiefs led 38-34.

The Highlanders desperately sought the match-winning try but, from an attacking lineout close to the line, Chiefs replacement Jono Gibbes got in front of the Highlanders' jumpers to thwart their ball. The Highlanders lost the ball again from the next lineout and the Chiefs were able to retain their lead.

Chiefs 38

Tries: Niva Ta'auso, Sitiveni Sivivatu, 2, Lelia Masaga 2

Conversions: Donald 5

Penalties: Donald 1

Highlanders 34

Tries: Lucky Mulipola, Anton Oliver, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Matt Saunders, Tony Morland.

Conversions: Nick Evans 2, Chalie Hore.

Penalties: Evans 1.

HT: 17-15