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‘We had a chance’: Aaron Smith reflects on last-minute loss to Tahs

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Highlanders were on the cusp of a much-needed win on Friday night, but a last-minute try to Waratahs hooker Mahe Vailanu snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

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Following their loss to the Western Force in round nine, the Highlanders welcomed back All Blacks Aaron Smith and Folau Fakatava for their trip to Sydney.

All Blacks and Highlanders halfback Smith was also given the captaincy ahead of his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance in almost a month.

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Playing at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, the Highlanders were locked in a tense tussle early on.

The two teams couldn’t be separated for 17 minutes, before Waratahs centre Izaia Perese broke the deadlock with an incredible solo effort.

While they trailed at the break, the Highlanders eventually took the lead after two quick tries from in-form backrower Hugh Renton and captain Aaron Smith midway through the half.

But the Waratahs weren’t done yet.

Lock Pari Pari Parkinson was sent to the sin bin with five minutes to play which added more drama to the already enthralling spectacle, as the Tahs unleashed wave after wave of attacking pressure.

Shortly after, replacement Mahe Vailanu scored with a minute to play, which gave Ben Donaldson the chance to kick what ultimately ended up being the match-winning points.

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Speaking with former Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell after the match, Smith said both teams were “desperate for a win.”

“Pretty ugly, to be honest,” Smith said on Stan Sport.

“Two teams desperate for a win and trying really hard. You could see both teams really desperate and trying their hearts out but probably lacked a bit of accuracy – both teams.

“Lacked that real calmness to finish things and it was the team who could have the last punch.

“We had a chance to really put it out there and our skill errors and execution let us down.”

With the Highlanders leading by six points, Smith was subbed off with eight minutes to play.

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The world-class halfback was made to watch from the sidelines as the Waratahs continued to unleash an attacking onslaught on his side – and the Highlanders could only hold on for so long.

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“I wish when I came off it was at a better state of the game, not five or six points,” he added.

“That’s the hardest thing about Super Rugby Pacific, they’re 80-minute games and the cream of the crop are at the top because they nail execution and they’re ruthless in their detail.

“We’re still chasing that and we got shown a lesson in that last five minutes. They waited, patient, and stuck in, used their forwards to get their last five metres and yeah, it’s a bummer, it’s been a hard tour.”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Highlanders next week.

The Highlanders, who are currently eighth on the ladder, host the high-flying Chiefs in Dunedin in round 11.

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M
Mzilikazi 3 hours ago
Western Force and ACT Brumbies looking for signs of progress in Super Rugby Pacific

It’s good to be at the start of the season, to be tipping the games again. Thanks for the article Brett. An interesting and, for me, informative read, as I have not kept up with all the news of all the teams, really only Qld.


Whatever happens in the search for a new coach for the WB’s, all of Les Kiss, Stephen Larkham and Dan McKellar will be coaching their respective teams this year. I believe Kiss to be the best of the three, and by a significant margin(the bad result against the Chiefs in the playoffs last season the one scar), and that gives Qld., in my view, an extra edge.


I agree, Brett, that Qld. on paper, and on squad strength and experience, look the best bet for Australia. If Tim Ryan builds on last year, he could be a WB starter against the Lions. The locking strength and depth is approaching that of teams like Leinster, Toulouse etc…not as strong ofc, but in Super Rugby circles, yes.


I like the type of game Kiss is building. Really carrying on from where he was rudely interrupted at London Irish, when they fell over. The one game on tour where they beat Ulster was a significant pointer to where they are at. While not a top Ulster unit, it was still a very good team, not easy to beat in Belfast. Sadly the Bristol game was a training run, but still valuable in a way, as the group were touring, building systems and understanding.


One player I will be watching with interest is Finn Hurley at the Highlanders. He was brought to my attention a year ago by the grandson of a friend, who knew him at Otago Boys High in Dunedin. Small, but resilient, with a good boot, from what I have seen on clips, he should have a useful first full year as a Highlander.


Hope the Force do well… have always had a “soft spot” for them. But good luck to all franchises, and pray for no serious injuries….as I have done forever, as aplayer, then coach, and now long retired rugby fanatic 😀

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