The Blues enjoying some ball in hand and making their way up the field.

The ball being kicked seemingly aimlessly eventually the ball lands with Akira Iaone who runs into his own player and the play is stopped for an attacking scrum to the Highlanders

The Highlanders go on the attack after gathering the up and under from Smith and spread the ball wide stretching the Blues defense. The ball is eventually bobbling around loose and regathered by the Highlanders only for Kaino to intercept the pass and go on the attack. Play comes to a halt as the Blues are awarded a penalty.

The Blues need to wake up if they want to avoid conceding huge numbers on the score board to this well oiled Highlanders side

The Highlanders plying the pressure on defense forcing the kick from Piutua to go out inside the Blues 22. Highlanders on the attack off the back of the line out and the ball goes through the hands landing in the hands of Naholo who powers his way over the line for the try.

The game being played at a frenetic pace early on with the Highlanders directing most of the attacking play.

The Blues getting the ball through the hands out wide but the Highlanders defense up to the task

Blues kick it up field and dont find touch allowing the Highlanders to go on the counter. The ball is spread wide and Naholo breaks a tackle and draws another defender freeing up Fekitoa on the outside to score the first try of the game

Powerful scrum by the Highlanders but the Blues still manages to get the ball out

The Blues defense doing great work , turning over the possession on the ground. Blues feed to the scrum now