Ultimately a comfortable win for the Highlanders, which makes it three in a row for them, but they were made to work hard in the first half. They most pleasing aspect for the visitors was the impact of their bench, who came on to make the game safe and didn’t concede.

The Highlanders’ loose forwards were very good, Sean Withy in particular, while Hugh Renton was strong with ball in hand. Jermaine Ainsley was a major factor in a dominant scrum, and Folau Fakatava showed his class when he came on.

Levi Aumua was the highlight provider for the home side with a good try and some excellent offloads, while Solomone Funaki and Miracle Faiilagi worked hard against the big Highlanders loosies. However, they should be disappointed about losing their way in the second half after being well in it at the break.