The Highlanders held off a late surge from the Cheetahs to secure a 24-21 victory at Carisbrook in Dunedin last night.

The difference between the teams came down to a penalty and the Cheetahs could easily have won the match had Sias Ebersohn kicked all of his penalties.

The result meant that the Highlanders have won five out of their seven matches so far while the Cheetahs have lost seven of their eight matches.

Both teams scored three tries a piece but the last surge from the Cheetahs earned them a losing bonus point.

In tonight's game the Crusaders meet the Bulls in Christchurch at 7:35pm and the Brumbies play the Hurricanes in Canberra at 9:40pm.


Story by: Filipe Naikaso