Turning Points: Chiefs v Highlanders

Super Rugby is back and it returned with a bang in a game that had it all. The Highlanders dominated the early stages of the encounter but it took them 14 minutes of pressure before they awarded a try. 

We take a look at the turning points in the encounter:

2nd Minute - TMO Decision

The game got off to a rip-roaring start with the Highlanders on the attack. Liam Coltman looked to have scored the first try of the season before it was ruled out by the TMO citing that he was held up. A really controversial call with Justin Marshall, on commentary, questioning the decision.

18th Minute - Tyler Ardron Try

A big scrum from the Chiefs' pack, that was going backwards in the opening minutes of the game, set the perfect platform for Ardron to pick off the back and run through a gap to score. The Chiefs would score another to tries before the break and looked in control of the game.

40th Minute - Josh Ioane Penalty

In a tight game, it is understandable that every point counts and with the Highlanders conceding 19 unanswered points after scoring their opening try, Josh Ioane stepped up to convert a testing penalty. The three points closed the gap to just 9 points at half time.

48th Minute - Orbyn Leger's kick pass

The Chiefs spent the opening minutes of the first half knocking on the door of the Highlanders' try line but were unable to break through. However, former Blues' back Orbyn Leger finally found a way through with a pinpoint cross kick to Etene Nanai-Seturo - who scored his second try of the game on his debut.

63rd Minute - Shannon Frizell 

Plugged onto the field in the 58th minute, it didn't take long for the All Black blindside to make his mark on the encounter. He ran a great support line to score just 5 minutes after coming on and made it just 4 point ball game.

67th Minute - Sio Tomkinson Red Card

The Highlanders looked dead a buried at the point with the Chiefs on the attack and before Tomkinson was sent to the bin for this tackle on Brodie Retallick:

75th Minute - Aaron Smith's Try

The All Black halfback was lively off the bench from his first touch of the ball and sped the Highlanders attack. His efforts were rewarded when he sliced through the Chiefs defence to score what would be the match-winning try.