Highlanders defeat Melbourne Rebels 33-30 in thrilling encounter in Dunedin

UNDERMANNED Melbourne have been cruelly denied in an epic Super Rugby cliffhanger with the Highlanders, falling to a shattering 33-30 defeat.

The Highlanders just held out the Rebels in an action-packed 80 minutes.

UNDERMANNED Melbourne have been cruelly denied in an epic Super Rugby cliffhanger with the Highlanders, falling to a shattering 33-30 defeat.

Handicapped by an extensive injury list before the Forsyth Barr encounter, the Rebels lost playmaker Bryce Hegarty in the second minute to concussion yet refused to yield.

Chasing their first overseas win, the Rebels clawed their way back into the contest with second-half tries to Jason Woodwward and Angus Roberts.

But they ultimately lacked the execution to pinch a memorable triumph as Tony McGahan’s teams suffered with a 14-10 penalty count.

Melbourne captain Scott Higginbotham lamented another close loss on foreign soil.

“It’s a good effort but not good enough,” he said.

“We came over here for a win and we didn’t so it’s disappointing.

“Happy with the effort the boys put in, but (it’s) not good enough.

“We’ve got to find a bit of consistency but penalties are hurting us,. We’re getting down into the opposition 22, but we’re losing the ball. It’s not good enough.”

Melbourne’s hopes were dented in the second minute when flyhalf Hegarty was heavily dumped by Richard Buckman when the young Rebel attempted to catch a high ball.

Hegarty walked from the pitch but failed the concussion test and was replaced by Angus Roberts.

Undaunted, the underdogs continued to pour on the pressure and deservedly took the lead when a Nic Stirzaker break put Scott Fuglistaller into space and the former Highlander crossed the chalk after an excellent movement.

The Highlanders hit back with a Lima Sopoaga penalty against Shota Horie before the hosts were denied a try with a forward pass.

Turnovers, the Rebels’ old nemesis, haunted Tony McGahan’s men as a poor pass exposed Roberts, leading directly to a Shane Christie try.

Woodward levelled the scores with a penalty before the mercurial Aaron Smith evaded three tackles to touch down.

Injuries continued to plague an already depleted Melbourne outfit as Angus Roberts and Horie required treatment.

Melbourne fell to a 20-10 deficit when Scott Higginbotham was penalised for hands in the ruck,

Woodward cut the gap to seven at half-time as the Rebels clung desperately to victory hopes.

Sean McMahon was lucky to avoid the sinbin after a dangerous tackle on the Aaron Smith before a magnificent intercept and kick from Higginbotham score Roberts notch a try from deep in defence.

Woodward’s conversion levelled the score but confusion in Melbourne’s defence allowed Sopoaga to capitalise on an offside penalty before All Black star Ben Smith capped a string of phases to touch down.

An exchange of penalties pushed the Highlanders to a 10-point buffer once more before a frenetic Melbourne revival repeatedly threatened the hosts.

A Kurt Baker intercept denied Tamati Ellison a last-gasp try before a turnover cruelly denied the Rebels.

Undeterred, Melbourne stormed back with a perfect attacking switch, allowing Woodward to cut the gap to only three with a converted try.

But yet another turnover saw the Rebels lose possession and a gilt-edged chance,

Highlanders 33

Tries - Christie, A Smith B Smith

Conversions - Sopoaga 3

Penalties - Sopoaga 4

Rebels 30

Tries - Fuglistaller, Roberts, Woodward

Conversions - Woodward 3

Penalties - Woodward 3