Versatile star Sam Gilbert was the hero for his side as he nailed a penalty to hand the Highlanders a 20-17 win over the Rebels in a crucial result for their play-off prospects.

A frenetic closing period where both sides were pushing for the decisive score resulted in a 40-odd metre penalty.

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With their season hanging in the balance and golden point a real prospect, Gilbert stepped up and kicked the penalty brilliantly in what is a vital moment in the Highlanders season.

Earlier on, it took a while for either team to score, with the Highlanders breaking the deadlock through full-back Conor Garden-Bachop in the 15th minute after a held-up try from Gilbert before that. The centre kicked the conversion.

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The Rebels did not lie down and responded six minutes later through Richard Hardwick as fly-half Reece Hodge kicked the extras.

However, the hosts would have the last say of the first period through a barging run from front-row Ethan de Groot as Gilbert was on point from the tee once again.

A back-and-forth in the second half would eventually result in a try for Rebels centre Stacey Ili in the 56th minute as they looked to fight back. Hodge was accurate again, adding the extra two before kicking a penalty six minutes later.

The tension built up as time ticked as the Highlanders looked to have won the game with a try under the posts, only for the replay to reveal a stunning defensive effort from full-back Andrew Kellaway who held the ball up impressively.

Gilbert would then turn hero by adding three from the tee in the 72nd before his all-important winner with the clock in the red.


Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific

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