The Highlanders rugby team opened their 2018 super rugby season with a 41-34 win over the Auckland Blues side last night.
Blues led the Highlanders 24-17 during the halftime break.
Akira Ioane scored a brace of tries for the Blues and his younger brother Rieko was again outstanding as first five-eighth Bryn Gatland scored a try and directed play for the Tana Umaga coached side.
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Highlander’s centers Rob Thompson and Teihorangi Walden scored two tries each as they held off a gallant Blues side.
The Highlanders also retained the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy, the treasured silverware named after the former All Blacks selector who coached both teams.
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