An under strength Highlanders team played with plenty of courage to only lose by 15 points against the Bulls this morning.  Down by 36 points to 14 at halftime, the Highlanders scored a bonus point 4th try in the second half to go down 50 – 35 when the final whistle was blown.

The Highlanders were missing key players Jimmy Cowan, Adam Thomson and Michael Hobbs, but managed to score 5 tries against the Bulls.

Israel Dagg was impressive at full back, and scored a hat trick of tries and also added a conversion for a 17 point haul for the match.  Tim Boys had a strong game and was rewarded with a try after latching onto a Kenny Lynn pass. Late replacement Robbie Robinson scored his first Super Rugby try late in the match after a chip kick from James Paterson down the left wing.

The Highlanders now return home to Carisbrook to face the Sharks on Saturday 20 March.

Bull 50 (G Botha 1 Try, F Hougaard 2 Tries. G vd Heever 1 Try, W Olliver 1 Try, P Spies 2 Tries. M Steyn 1 Pen, 5 Con)  Highlanders 35 (I Dagg 3 Tries, T Boys 1 Try, R Robinson 1 Try.  M Berquist 4 Con).  Half Time 36-14.