Overview
- The Highlanders won 27-17 over Moana Pasifika in Christchurch on Sunday at One NZ Stadium after pulling clear with second-half tries and a late Cam Millar penalty.
- The result lifted the Highlanders to seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, two points behind the Queensland Reds who hold a game in hand.
- Head coach Jamie Joseph said recent narrow losses heaped pressure on his side, calling the contest a real arm-wrestle that blunted their finishing.
- Halfback Adam Lennox continued his rise with a try and emergency minutes on the wing, covering for sidelined speed men Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau.
- With Moana Pasifika’s future uncertain beyond 2026, standouts such as Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Glen Vaihu drew scouting interest as coaches acknowledged players are eyeing contracts elsewhere.