The Highlanders have come from behind to beat the Chiefs 30-27 in the opening match of the 2019 Super Rugby season in Hamilton.
It was the visitors who struck early - After Liam Coltman had a try disallowed it was lock Pari Pari Parkinson who scored the first try of the new season of the back of great work from winger Tavita Li.
The Highlanders try seemed to wake the home side up who weren't in the game for the first 15 minutes at all.
All it took was some possession for the home side who scored through Canadian International Tyler Ardron of the back of a scrum.
All Black Anton Lienert-Brown made his presence felt more and more throughout the match and was heavily involved in the next two tries for the Chiefs.
The 23-year-old setup Bailyn Sullivan who made a break down the right wing before setting up Angus Ta'avao for the try.
Etene Nanai-Seturo scored after great passing and quick hands from Lienert-Brown and Nathan Harris to take the Chiefs into the sheds with a 19-10 lead.
The home side scored the first try in the second half after a fantastic cross-field kick from Orbyn Leger which went straight into the hands of Nanai-Seturo who walked over to score his second.
A controversial moment came with 13 minutes to go. Sio Tomkinson was given a red card for a no-arms tackle to the head of Brodie Retallick.
That didn't stop the visitors who finished the game the stronger of the two sides. Replacement halfback Aaron Smith scored with just four minutes to go to secure the come from behind 30-27 win for the Highlanders.
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