Rate it!

0 votes

The Auckland Blues ended the Otago Highlanders three-match winning streak in the Super 14, taking advantage of a fast start and a red card issued to Jimmy Cowan to post a 26-6 victory at Eden Park.

Blues 26-6 Highlanders

Cowan, the Highlanders captain, will face a judiciary hearing after he was given a straight red by referee Stuart Dickenson in the 60th minute for a late shoulder charge on Blues fly-half Jimmy Gopperth.

Highlanders hooker David Hall was also sin-binned in the first half for a professional foul at the breakdown.

The Blues, however, did not take full advantage of their extra man, with Joe Rokocoko's 79th minute try (pictured) the only points they scored while having a numerical edge.

The home side, who moved temporarily up to second place on the table on 28 points, began impressively with All Blacks centre Isaia Toeava scoring his side's first try after just 26 seconds.

Highlanders' fly-half Matt Berquist slotted the first of his two penalties to reply, before Gopperth dived over a mass of forwards close to the line to give his side a 14-3 lead after just 12 minutes.

Berquist narrowed the gap shortly after the halftime break with his second penalty before Blues scrum-half Taniela Moa was awarded a try when he forced the ball against the foot of the goalpost.

Cowan was then sent off when he shoulder charged Gopperth while the fly-half was making a clearing kick deep inside his own try area.

The Blues struggled to maintain any pressure despite their advantage and did not seal the match until Rokocoko broke out from his own half.

He was brought down five metres from the line but popped up again with the ball after two quick rucks and scored.

Gopperth slotted three conversions for the Blues.

Brumbies 32-31 Bulls

Fly-half Christian Lealiifano squeezed over for a bonus-point try under the posts with three minutes remaining to give Australia's ACT Brumbies a 32-31 Super 14 victory over South Africa's Bulls in Canberra.

Lealiifano's try capped a remarkable final 20 minutes in the match in which the Bulls had scored 14 unanswered points to take a 31-22 lead with 12 minutes remaining.

Stirling Mortlock then pulled his side back into the match at 31-25 with his second penalty with eight minutes remaining before Lealiifano scored under the posts and Mortlock added his third conversion to take the one-point lead.

"We were good in patches there but we have to consistently apply pressure to the opposition," said Brumbies stand-in captain George Smith. "But we're very happy for the boys, happy with the win, especially with the four tries."

Brumbies flanker Mitch Chapman, lock Peter Kimlin and returning captain Stephen Hoiles had all scored tries in the first half to give the home side a 22-17 lead at the break.

Number eight Pierre Spies then inspired the Bulls in the second half, producing several storming runs and off-loading in tackles, one of which led to Wynand Olivier's try that gave his side the lead for the first time in the 62nd minute.

Spies then scored to extend the lead in the 68th minute.

South Africa winger Bryan Habana had earlier produced a typical poacher's try, intercepting a long cut out pass inside his own half and racing 65 metres to open the Bulls' account.

Full-back Zane Kirchner also scored for the Bulls in the first half. Fly-half Morne Styen converted all four tries and added a penalty.

"Pierre is a special player and has been special all season," said Bulls captain Jacques Fourie.

"Credit to our guys for the way they came back but just at the end it is heartbreaking to lose like this."

Cheetahs 10-28 Waikato Chiefs

The Waikato Chiefs moved to the top of the Super 14 standings with a 28-10 win over the Cheetahs in Kimberley, South Africa.

After a bye last week, the Chiefs did not find their rhythm until the second half when they scored three tries, all by replacement players.

Hooker Hika Elliot touched down in the 42nd minute before flanker Serge Lilo scored a controversial try in the 70th minute when he received a pass from Tanerau Latimer who appeared to have a foot in touch.

Centre Mike Delany sealed the win with the New Zealand side's third try.

Previous leaders Sharks face Crusaders later on Saturday and could reclaim top spot in the table.

Reuters