Fakatava the star as Highlanders steal it

Super Rugby Pacific round-up

- BEN JAYCOCK

FOLAU Fakatava kept the Highlanders play- off hopes alive and sent the club’s inspiration leader Aaron Smith out on a high. 

Having played in his final game at Forsyth Barr Stadium before departing for Japan at the end of the season, Smith was sent into raptures on the bench when his understudy Fakatava scored a last-minute try to seal a thrilling 35-30 win over the Queensland Reds.

“I love nothing more than this. I always hate when the game ends, I always hate when I get subbed, and I’ve always wanted to leave on my own terms – still performing,” said Smith.

“I didn’t want to have that feeling of when you get shuffled out. I feel like this year’s the right time for me. Who knows what the future holds? All I wanted was that win.

“I said to Folau, ‘you don’t have to have the challenge and the burden [of taking over from me] – just be you’ and Folau Fakatava is amazing. He’s the future of our club.”

The Reds came racing out of the tunnel with two converted tries inside the first 10 minutes through Liam Wright and Jake Upfield.

Jona Nareki hit back for the home side before the Highlanders got on level terms from an attacking scrum when inform No.8 Hugh Renton proved unstoppable.