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Highlander Sees Red as Waratahs Close Gap
Tangitau set up two first-half tries as the Highlanders built a 28-7 lead before Millar’s fulltime penalty sealed the five-point win.
On Saturday, the Highlanders defeated the NSW Waratahs 31-26 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, deepening the visiting team's struggles in New Zealand.
Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau fueled a dominant first half, helping the hosts establish a 28-7 halftime lead that left the Waratahs facing a mountain to climb.
Despite a late rally, the Waratahs fell short after missing 30 tackles throughout the match and conceding costly penalties, sealing their 13th consecutive defeat in Tasman clashes.
Coach Dan McKellar admitted the 'first 20 minutes killed us,' as the Waratahs' finals hopes are in tatters following this eighth loss of the 2026 campaign.
The Waratahs must win their final three regular-season games to reach the finals, starting with a difficult trip to Suva next round to face the Fijian Drua.