A superior defensive performance enabled the Highlanders to come away with a 25-15 win over the Chiefs in Dunedin, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered stats.

The Highlanders trailed by two points at the break despite enjoying 62% of possession and 69% of territory in the first half, with the Chiefs having to make 63 tackles to 39.

However, in the second half the Landers drove home their ascendancy, scoring 10 points during a decisive period when they had a one-man advantage, while remaining resolute on defence.

In the end, the Highlanders completed 113 tackles and missed just 15, while the Chiefs made 111 tackles but missed 26. 

It was a decisive element of an enthralling clash that saw the Highlanders leapfrog their way into second spot in the New Zealand conference.

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