The Highlanders started their three match tour of South Africa with a solid win over the Cheetahs 31 - 24.   First half tries to Kenny Lynn and Fetu’u Vainikolo gave the Highlanders a 15-9 halftime lead and the second spell saw a further try added by first five Michael Hobbs.  The ‘butcher’ as Hobbs is known by team mates, cut through the Cheetahs defence like a knife near the line in the 72 minute to put the game beyond doubt for the Highlanders.  Hobbs has now scored 4 tries in the opening three games of the competition.

Prop Jamie Mackintosh had a strong all round game with, particularly at scrum time, and this set the platform for the forwards to gain momentum and deliver good ball for the Highlanders backs.  Mackintosh was named man of the match for his performance and commented after the game “the lads were happy with the win, and would now have a couple of Speight’s and plan for the next game”.

First half try scorers, Kenny Lynn and Fetu’u Vainikolo, both had strong games and were both rewarded with tries for enterprising play throughout the match.

Highlanders 31 (K Lynn 1 Try, F Vainikolo 1 Try, M Hobbs 1 Try. M Hobbs 1 Con. I Dagg 4 Pen, 1 Con) Cheetahs 24 (H Brussow 1 Try, J Smith 1 Try. N Olliver 4 Pen).