Ben Smith of the Highlanders on the counter-attack during the round eight Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Rebels at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Getty
Highlanders 33
Rebels 30
This had it all but as a rugby buffet it was not always palatable.
There was the early exit of Bryce Hegarty after a mid-air collision, several marginal tackles which did not provoke serious sanction, a wondrous Highlanders try ruled out because of
a forward pass, the continuing mysteries of the scrums and all sorts of strange tactical kicking.
One of the more outrageous moments came after Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham intercepted near his line and when run down, put in a left foot grubber for five eighths Angus Roberts to score.
That was class from Aaron Smith who brought his snappy sidestep into play and Ben Smith ran his legs off as the two All Blacks worked overtime to bring some sting to the Highlanders attack.
