The Highlanders have kept their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive after surviving a dramatic late comeback from the NSW Waratahs to claim a tense 31-26 victory in Dunedin.

Playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the Highlanders exploded out of the blocks with a dominant first-half performance that left the Australian side chasing the game for most of the night.

The home side raced to a 21-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes through powerful attacking play and relentless pressure at the set-piece. Wingers Jonah Lowe and Caleb Tangitau caused major problems out wide, while Timoci Tavatavanawai continued to lead from the midfield with his physical presence and breakdown work.

The Highlanders carried a commanding 28-7 advantage into halftime after exposing defensive gaps and dominating territory throughout the first spell.

However, the match shifted dramatically in the second half as the Waratahs mounted a fierce comeback led by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who became increasingly influential with ball in hand. The visitors scored multiple late tries and narrowed the margin to just two points in the final minutes.

The Highlanders were also forced to defend with a player in the sin bin late in the contest, adding further pressure as the Waratahs surged toward a potential upset. Despite the momentum swing, the Dunedin side held their nerve in the closing moments.

A crucial breakdown penalty won by captain Timoci Tavatavanawai in the dying stages allowed first five Cameron Millar to slot a penalty goal after the siren and secure the five-point win.

The result lifts the Highlanders above the Waratahs on the Super Rugby Pacific table and keeps their playoff ambitions alive heading into the final rounds of the competition.

For the Waratahs, the defeat leaves their finals hopes hanging by a thread after another heartbreaking loss on New Zealand soil.

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