The Highlanders earlier beat the Hurricanes 21-14 in a sensational Super Rugby Final that featured brilliant offloads and an incredibly high tempo of play throughout. One of the tries of the match was scored by flanker Elliot Dixon, or was it?
The first half was played at a thousand miles an hour, with both sides showing that despite it being a final, if the mindset is right, players can attack from anywhere on the park, retain possession and produce some thrilling rugby.
Both sides threw the ball about, with very little kicking for territory, and very few scrums. Referee Jaco Peyper let the game flow, and fans were treated to a spectacle that will not only go down as one of the best finals of all time, but easily one of the more memorable Super Rugby games to have been played.
Following a well taken Ma’a Nonu try, the Highlanders hit back when Elliot Dixon surged over the line, showing incredible pace and power before grounding the ball. He didn’t look too convinced himself – probably not helping his cause – but TMO Ben Skeen decided that after many looks at it, the try was indeed scored.
Dixon said post match that he’s had a few close calls this season, so expected this one to go against him too. Luck was on his side though as the try was awarded and the Highlanders stayed ahead, as they were all game.
“I actually thought he’d lost the ball but we tend to look at these things out of our own eyes,” said Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd. “At the end of the day, it was pretty critical.”
They went on to win their first ever Super Rugby title, a phenomenal effort away from home to what has been the best team in the competition. Congratulations to Jamie Joseph and his entire squad.
View the try below, with more highlights and clips to follow soon
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