'Landers spoil Hunt's Super comeback
SUPER RUGBY PRESEASON REPORT: The Highlanders’ first preseason match kicked off as planned as they secure a 59-38 win over the Waratahs.
The annual preseason fixture at Molyneux Park Stadium saw New Zealand outfit ran in nine tries to six.
However, before the eventually win the visitors the Waratahs build a solid 31-14 midway through the 90-minute encounter which was split into three 30-minute periods.
Waratahs outside centre Lalakai Foketi bagged himself three tries, while JP Sauni, Cam Clark and Jake Gordon also registered their names on the scoresheet.
Karmichael Hunt was also very influential, making a solid debut performance with boisterous runs in the middle of the park.
Despite the Waratahs efforts, Highlanders proved to be to much of a challenge. First Liam Coltman and Dillon Hunt made sure the visitors break the duck on the scoreboard.
With the first points on the board, Highlanders started to regroup as Nabura grabbed three tries, while Luke Whitelock, McKay, Tomkinson and Faddes also scored five-pointers.
Both sides survived the trial match with no injuries concerns.
Waratahs take on the Brumbies on Thursday.
Highlanders: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Luke Whitelock (captain), 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone
Replacements: Ray Niuia, Sef Fa’agase, Tyrel Lomax , Jackson Hemopo, James Lentjes, Ash Dixon, Joe Apikotoa, Jack Whetton, Ethan De Groot, Manaaki Selby-Rickett, Ricky Jackson, Kayne Hammington, Bryn Gatland, Tevita Nabura, Marty Banks, Teihorangi Walden, Sio Tomkinson, Josh Timu.
Waratahs: 15 Alex Newsome, 14 Curtis Rona, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Cameron Clark, 10 Mack Mason, 9 Mitch Short, 8 Hugh Sinclair, 7 Will Miller (Captain), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Ryan McCauley, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Shambeckler Vui, 2 Andrew Tuala, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes
Replacements: 16 JP Sauni, 17 Rory O’Connor, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 BJ Edwards, 21 Pat Tafa, 22 Jake Gordon, 23 Ben Donaldson, 24 Will Harrison, 25 Richard Woolf, 26 Will Harris, 27 Cody Walker.
