The Highlanders have snapped a six-game losing streak in 2022, picking up their first victory of Super Rugby Pacific with a 37-17 win over Moana Pasifika in Dunedin.
Winless in their first six matches of the year - and their last seven matches dating back to the end of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman - the Highlanders finally got the monkey off their back in a six-try display under the roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Try doubles to winger Mosese Dawai and reserve hooker Rhys Marshall saw the hosts capitalise on another ill-disciplined display from Moana Pasifika, who now average more than 14 penalties conceded per game from their first six matches in their first season in Super Rugby.
The victory lifts the Highlanders from bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table up into ninth, courtesy of a bonus point, sitting
outside of the top eight on points differential, currently level with the Hurricanes on 10 points. However, the Hurricanes have the advantage of two games in hand in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Moana Pasifika meanwhile are bottom of Super Rugby Pacific, leapfrogged by the Highlanders after Friday's defeat.
The Highlanders were hit just seconds into the clash, as loose forward Shannon Frizell was forced from the field injured after fielding the kickoff.
Despite the loss of one of their best though, it took the Highlanders just minutes to open the scoring, as winger Mosese Dawai crossed over in the corner for his first Super Rugby try.
But seeking only their second win in Super Rugby Pacific, Moana Pasifika hit back through the boot of Christian Lealiifano, before powerhouse centre Levi Aumua gave his side the lead - thanks to an offload from midfield partner Danny Toala.
Ahead on the scoreboard, ill-discipline began to hurt Moana Pasifika, allowing for the Highlanders to take the lead before the break.
Hooker Andrew Makalio scored from the back of a lineout drive, before Moana Pasifika were hit by a yellow card for repeated infringements, with lock Veikoso Poloniati on the receiving end.
And with a numerical advantage, the Highlanders struck again before halftime, as a between-the-legs pass from Aaron Smith put Dawai away for his second try of the night, and gave the hosts a 17-10 lead.
Makalio looked to have a double to start the second half, crossing over from another lineout drive.
However replays showed a forward pass in a one-two exchange between Makalio and Smith, as the TMO chalked off what should have been the Highlanders' fourth score.
But as the rolling maul became the Highlanders' weapon of choice, Marshall came off the bench and onto the scoresheet, scoring the fourth to bring up a bonus point by holding off three defenders before grounding the ball.
Back to 15, Moana Pasifika hit back as Christian Lealiifano put Tima Fainga'anuku in for their side's second try, as a successful conversion brought the scores back to 22-17 in the Highlanders' favour.
A penalty to Hunt took the Highlanders' lead past a converted try, before reserve halfback Folau Fakatava added a fifth try from the back of another rolling maul, after Moana Pasifika were reduced to 14 again, with flanker Alamanda Motuga shown the side's second yellow card of the night.
Closing in on their first win of the year, the Highlanders put the icing on the cake through Marshall, who detached early from another lineout drive and scored the last try of the night, as the hosts proved too good for Moana Pasifika.
Moana Pasifika will have the chance to bounce back from defeat as early as Tuesday, when they play a catch-up game against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Highlanders 37 (Dawai 2, Makalio, Marshall 2, Fakatava tries; Hunt 2 conversions; Hunt penalty) Moana Pasifika 17 (Aumua, Fainga'anuku tries; Lealiifano 2 conversions; Lealiifano penalty)
