First Take: Naholo makes it look so easy

Waisake Naholo of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images.

Highlanders 36
Chiefs 9

It wasn't as misty as the fog final in 2006 but there was a special southern tinge about conditions as Super rugby went on the road to Invercargill.

All that was different but there was a routine try controversy, this time denied to one of Southland's transplanted favourites Damian McKenzie after a grubber in goal from elder brother Marty.

The clever M Mc to D Mc move got the thumbs down from the TMO to an 18,000 roar from a Rugby Park crowd certain who they supported.

They'd let out a similar howl for the only try of the first half when Patrick Osborne, put on the brakes on the greasy surface and circled past a quartet of defenders to dive over.

Those howls rose to an orchestra of appreciation when the Highlanders other wing and prospective All Black Waisake Naholo took the ball at first receiver from a lineout and scooted 55m to the line.

He cut through an inside channel, hit the gas and ran around the Chiefs defenders in the back field. Naholo made it look so easy.

Just another player made good away from the Blues franchise and someone the All Black selectors want to extricate from his impending contract in Europe.

This bonus point victory crowned a special performance against another top-rated side and another feel-good night for the hustling Highlanders who can smell a playoffs place with their only frowns around a hamstring injury to Malakai Fekitoa.

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