Highlanders snap losing streak with dramatic 39-31 win over Force
The Toyota Highlanders secured a thrilling 39-31 victory over the Western Force in Dunedin. The match saw 10 tries scored in total, with the Highlanders overcoming a halftime deficit to end their six-match losing streak against Australian sides. Despite finishing with 14 players due to injuries, they held on for the win.
The Highlanders started strongly, leading 17-7 after 35 minutes. But the Force fought back with two quick tries before the break, putting them ahead 21-17 at halftime.
Winger Caleb Tangitau and centre Jonah Lowe both crossed twice for the Highlanders. Lowe's second try regained the lead, before Tangitau added two more. Force winger George Bridge also scored, but it wasn't enough to stop the home side.
The win comes as relief for Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who recently missed out on the All Blacks head coaching job. His team had lost to the Chiefs and Reds after opening the season with a victory over the Crusaders.
This result marks the Highlanders' first win over an Australian opponent since 2022. The bonus-point victory moves them up the Super Rugby Pacific table. They will now look to build momentum after a mixed start to the campaign.
