Ajay Faleafaga guided the Highlanders to a 41-22 win over the Barbarians to finish third at the Super Rugby under-20 tournament in Taupo on Saturday.
Faleafaga, in his second year in the team and likely to get a chance for Otago in the NPC this season, scored 16 points, including a smartly taken try.
The classy first five took a quick tap and dived over the line to give his side a 26-17 lead at the break.
The Baby Landers had made a cracking start, scoring two tries — lock Reuben Palmer from the pick and go, and midfield back Cam Burgess from a grubber off the boot of versatile flanker Konrad Toleafoa — in the first 15 minutes.
After the Baabaas replied, the Highlanders won a tighthead penalty, tapped quickly and spread the ball to fullback Finn Hurley for the team’s third try.
A lineout drive led to a try for hooker Aone Lolofie, and after Faleafaga had added a penalty for insurance, No 8 Will Stodart completed the scoring in the final minute.
The Blues beat the Hurricanes 50-36 in the final.
Super Rugby U20
The scores
Highlanders 41
Reuben Palmer, Cam Burgess, Finn Hurley, Ajay Faleafaga, Aone Lolofie, Will Stodart tries; Faleafaga 4 con, pen
Barbarians 22
Josh Brunger 2, Jordan Hutchings, Tylah Blake tries; Terrence Graham con
Halftime: Highlanders 26-17.
