Western Force upset the Highlanders 21-14 in Dunedin – Super Rugby recap
The Western Force has outclassed the Highlanders by 21-14 in a Super Rugby match played at Carisbrook stadium, in Dunedin on June 3. David Smith scored a couple of splendid tries during the second-half and Force’s defenders kept the Highlanders away from
the scoring line.
The Highlanders hosted the Australian derby Western Force in Dunedin, which was the last match of the squad in their home stadium this year. The old stalwart of rugby is likely to be rebuilt in 2012 and will not see any action until it is revamped completely.
Adam Thomson and John Hardie made a comeback into the Highlanders side as they missed the last game against the Lions on May 27. On the other hand, Western Force made just one change in their starting line as Alfie Mafi made his place in the playing 15.
The Highlanders were expecting a comprehensive win over the low profile Force. The Western Force, which won just three games before today’s upset victory, has shattered the Highlanders hopes of qualifying for the play-offs. The Highlanders are left with
two games in the Super Rugby championship and a winning streak cannot take them into the top six teams of the season.
New Zealand teams are struggling with their performance in the current Super Rugby tournament and none of them have secured their position for the semi-final stages.
Talking to reporters in a pitch side interview after the match, Highlanders skipper Jamie Mackintosh expressed his disappointment over the defeat. He added that, “We played some really nice rugby in the first half, we did exactly what we wanted to do, played
with width and shape but we just fell to pieces really. Our kicks were poor, our scrum got put under pressure and we couldn't get out of our half and things just compiled.”
He further said that, "It's really disappointing to lose like this especially as it's a big week for us, last game at Carisbrook, and with the new strip and everything. But it was just a disappointing way to finish."
Highlanders will take on the Waratahs in their next match of Super Rugby on June 11.
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