The Highlanders produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat the Brumbies 24-19 in Wagga Wagga on Saturday.

Leading 19-0 at the break thanks to two tries from Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani and another from winger Henry Speight, the Brumbies looked set to record their first pre-season victory after defeat to the Force last week.

However, the Highlanders responded with three tries of their own in the second half, despite going down to 14 men following a red card to replacement Ryan Tongia for a dangerous tackle.

A Lee Allan penalty then extended the Highlanders' lead to five points, and despite a late onslaught from the hosts, they held on to make it two-from-two in pre-season so far.

Brumbies – Tries: Tevita Kuridrani (2), Henry Speight. Conversions: Nic White, Christian Leali'ifano.
Highlanders – Tries: Ryan Tongia, Teihorangi Walden, Dan Pryor. Conversions: Lee Allan (3). Penalty: Allan.

Brumbies (squad) – Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Rod Iona, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali'ifano, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, David Pocock, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Ita Vaea, Mitch Wade, Nic White.

Highlanders – 15 Trent Renata, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Shaun Treeby, 12 Jason Emery, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Scott Eade, 8 Nasi Manu (c), 7 Shane Christie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edmonds.
Subs: 16 Sam Adnerson-Heather, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Mark Reddish, 20 Joe Latta, 21 Dan Pryor, 22 John Hardie, 23 Josh Renton, 24 Lima Sopoaga, 25 Teihorangi Walden, 26 Michael Collins, 27 Ryan Tongia.

Photo: Michael Thompson Photography