Highlanders secure position in Top Four of Super XV as they defeat Rebels at AAMI – Rugby news
Highlanders for the first time in the season have secured a top position in the season at the end of their round 09 encounter.
Highlanders remained in the top four during the first four rounds of the Super XV but later slipped down. Highlanders with their impressive win against the Melbourne Rebels have jumped from the seventh position to the fourth in the combined table of Super
XV.
Highlanders have defeated the hosts at AAMI Park with the margin of 22 points. This is the Highlanders first win in Australia after six games they have played here.
Highlanders could have easily scored more points if their fourth minutes substitute Fly Half Robbie Robinson could have availed all the scoring opportunities. Robbie Robinson has split over the simple chances as he failed to score on four simple conversions
and three penalty kicks.
Robbie Robinson took the field in place of the Colin Slade. Slade sustained an injury to his jaw. This is the second occasion in this season the Slade injured his jaw during the game.
Highlanders have won five points from the match as they denied Rebels to come close enough to securing a losing bonus point. Highlanders scored their Tries Bonus Point during the 43th minute of the game with Highlanders Winger Siale Piutau scored the fourth
try for the Highlanders. Highlanders have scored six tries in the game. Highlanders Flank Adam Thomson and Piutau scored two tries each. Alando Soakai and Kadi Poki scored a try each in the game.
In the initial 15-20 minutes of the match, Rebels dominated the game as they enjoyed both ball and territory possession. Melbourne Rebels traditionally are slow starters however; they were quick to score first points in the match.
Rebels Fly Half Danny Cipriani kicked the penalty during the eighth minute of the game. Cipriani was top scorer for Rebels in the game. He scored all points for Rebels in first half and scored a conversion during the second half. Cipriani scored 8 points
with the remaining points for Rebels coming from the 65th and 78th minute try. Lock Hugh Pyle and Prop Greg Somerville scored respectively.
Melbourne Rebels struggled with their attack and defence, the last minute change in their captain did not help their cause. Stirling Mortlock did not take part in the game due to the leg injury. Super Rugby newcomers failed to sustain the Highlanders surge
and pressure.
Rebels will now travel to the New Zealand to play against the Auckland Blues. Highlanders will also fly back home as they take on the Crusaders, who are currently at the top of the Super XV combined table.
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