Highlanders duo Ben Smith (L) and Aaron Smith (R) celebrate their win. {Photo / Getty}

The Highlanders made a winning start after beating Chiefs 30-27 in its super rugby opener last night.

The Highlanders played with 14 players for the final 15 minutes with replacement centre Sio Tomkinson sent off for a dangerous head high tackle on Brodie Retallick.

HALFTIME | Chiefs lead #YourLanders leading into the sheds. Big second half from the lads to bring it home! #HighlandersANDyou #NothingElseMatters #CHIvHIG pic.twitter.com/u9pE3P6TMb

— Pulse Energy Highlanders (@Highlanders) February 15, 2019

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Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper says it was unfortunate that they missed out on a lot of opportunities to score tries in the match.

“We struggled in the last 20 minutes and we’re cramping in that little bit too and we let the Highlanders back in. we missed a lot opportunity and we’re not able to win in front of our fans.”

HIGHLIGHTS | A 14-man @Highlanders side have kicked off the #SuperRugby season with a 30-27 win over @ChiefsRugby in Hamilton!

HIGHLIGHTS + MATCH REPORThttps://t.co/kuBS7KX32i#CHIvHIG #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/t1GEZ79QJj

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) February 15, 2019

In another match, Rebels defeated Brumbies 34-27.

{Source: Fox Sports]

Rebels Captain Dane Haylett-Petty congratulated his teammates for the effort they showed in the match.

“Really happy with that. Really happy with the boys they work really hard for that was all not good planning the work on but we will take that and move on.”

Meanwhile, Blues will battle Crusaders at 6.35pm today while the Waratahs take on Hurricanes at 8.45pm.

Sunwolves will then play Sharks at 10.55pm

Tomorrow morning, Stormers will battle Bulls at 3.15 and Jaguares will face Lions at 9.40.

You can watch the Blues-Crusaders match today live on FBC Sports.