Highlanders vs Blues

The Highlanders and Blues faced off at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon in the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific. Here's how it went down.

Desperate defence saved the Blues from repeat Dunedin demons but their tense victory against the Highlanders may come at a cost with Beauden Barrett ...

Smith ignited the Highlanders to spark two tries in 11 minutes. The Blues embraced the width to harness wings Caleb Clarke and Mark Telea, both of whom were prominent. The Highlanders, meanwhile, offered nothing on attack early. The All Blacks centurion left the field with blood streaming from his nose, and did not return. It was a different story in the second half, though, with the Highlanders transforming to take the challenge to the Blues. The Blues picked up where they left off from their victory over the Highlanders in Albany to dominate the southerners from the outset.

Here's how the Highlanders rated in their 32-25 Super Rugby Pacific defeat to the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

On in the 43rd minute. On in the 64th minute. On in the 58th minute. On in the 50th minute. On in the 68th minute. Off in the 65th minute. Off in the 64th minute. Off in the 50th minute. Off in the 58th minute. Off in the 68th minute. Quality clean out work in the lead-up to Sam Gilbert’s try. Off in the 64th minute.