In terms of games, this was definitely one of them as the Highlanders held on to defeat the Western Force 7-6.
The contest defied the perfect conditions under the roof in Dunedin, with the hosts securing a much needed victory for two teams who are fighting for a spot in the top eight.
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So what did we learn?
The game perfectly reflected the tense season situation for both sides.
It took 37 minutes for the opening score and 45 minutes for the lone try of the game.
They played like their seasons were on the line as the pressure for victory showed as neither side could deliver a killer blow
When either side needed a special defensive play, they delivered in what was a dramatic opening forty minutes that only ramped up in the second half.
In a competition where points have flowed, it was nice to see teams engage in and welcome the real arm-wrestling.
The Force had to find a way to win this game. Now, they need something special to resurrect their season.
Their scrum was significantly better than previous weeks and their defence stood up but the execution was well off.
When you’re facing fellow bubble top eight teams, these games become especially imperative.
As Nic White said after the game: "This is another one where it felt like we let slip."
They now face a tough trip to Hamilton before a return back to Perth, eyeing off back-to-back matches against the Drua and Waratahs.
The Highlanders need to find a way to get Timoci Tavatavanawai involved more.
The winger is all muscle and bumps off tacklers at will.
He deserved a try just before the break before his toe just caught the chalk on the sidelines.
Credit must go to the Force’s scrum for their drastic transformation against a solid Highlanders pack.
Coach Simon Cron has scoured the trans-Tasman for props and they gained ascendency slowly but surely throughout the night against an All Black star in Ethan de Groot.
Santiago Medrano has been the driving force and he was assisted in kind by 2023 Junior Wallaby Marley Pearce.
Rhys Patchell’s pec injury was the last thing a struggling Highlanders needed if they wish to be playing finals.
Patchell looked by far the best player on the field to start the game, only to come off in the 23rd minute.
Since Round Three, the Highlanders have managed just three tries in the first halves of their games.
They eventual crossed for their opening try in the 45th minute but they need to find more if they want to secure a finals berth.
