Highlanders win final pre-season game

Highlanders snatch final pre-season game against Tahs with late penalty goal

The 35m strike after the final hooter ensured the Dunedin-based franchise finished their pre-season with a win, having previously lost to the Crusaders and been bundled out in the Brisbane Tens quarterfinals. 

Smith's late strike also ensured the Highlanders didn't throw away a game they had led 40-18 early in the second half, only for the Waratahs to come steaming back to lead 47-40 inside the final 10 minutes.

But midfielder Rob Thompson crashed over under the sticks with a few minutes left on the clock, before Smith snatched the game with his right-boot.