The Highlanders edged the Chiefs 30-27 in Hamilton despite being down to fourteen men for the final 13 minutes in the opening match of Super Rugby 2019.
The 2019 Super Rugby tournament kicks-off in four weeks time on Friday 15 February in Hamilton, New Zealand with a Kiwi derby between two of last year’s quarter-finalists as the Chiefs host the Highlanders.
It may have been Halloween but New Zealand rugby set out its stall for the 2019 Super Rugby season with the five teams announcing their squads for the tournament.
With the Super Rugby concluded for 2018, it’s time to reflect on another season of stats and look at some key numbers that told the story of this year’s placings.
Super Rugby has been blessed with some scintillating try-scoring talent over the years, but the 2018 campaign has uncovered two of the best - and they’re on the cusp of something great.
The Waratahs claimed a dramatic 30-23 come-from-behind victory over the Highlanders in a thrilling Super Rugby quarter-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
With the regular season coming to a close the pressure really cranks up a notch as the top teams of 2018 begin to dream of lifting the Super Rugby trophy.