Saturday 4 July 2015 13:03, UK
Skipper Nasi Manu praised his team’s fans after the Highlanders lifted their first Super Rugby title in Wellington.
The Highlanders were forced to negotiate a fightback from the Hurricanes but held out for a 21-14 win as the Otago-based side lifted their maiden Super Rugby title.
Tries from Elliot Dixon and winger Waisake Naholo led to the win, which Manu attributed to the team ethic as well as the support from the Dunedin faithful.
"I'm so proud of the boys and we always believed that we could win if we performed well on the day,” said Manu. “I'm just really proud of the boys and what a way to end the Super Rugby.
"We just play as a team. We're a champion team and to come away with a result..."
"We want to say a big thank you to all our supporters who managed to get to the game.
"You guys have been awesome for us the whole year and we're just glad we could get the win for you guys."
Man of the match Dixon, whose try gave his side an eight-point lead going into the break, spoke of the lengthy review from the TMO.
"I thought I got the boot and the ground at the same time so I don't know," said Dixon. "A couple haven't gone my way this year so I thought I was probably going to get no good from the TMO but I was pretty happy when it went over."
The Highlanders beat the Chiefs in the play-off match before traveling to Sydney for a win over the Waratahs, and Dixon said the belief had not faltered throughout the knock-out stages of the tournament.
He added: "I think (head coach) Jamie Joseph said three weeks ago that people don't stumble upon quarter-finals or semi-finals but I think we did our work in the pre-season.
"We knew deep down we're a championship-winning team. We just didn't get the support that we thought we should have earned and I think we showed everyone tonight that we could do it.
"I think that Waratahs game - some people called it boring rugby, but it was just tactics and we knew that was how we had to win. We came here with a never-say-die (attitude)."
Outgoing Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith was disappointed for his side, but urged the fans to keep supporting the team and promised reward in the near future.
"I don't know what to say. It's finals footy, there are some gutted men to my right but I'm still proud of them,” said Smith.
"I'm proud of what they've done and I'm proud of the last 12 years that I've worn the swirl (Hurricanes badge).
"It didn't work out tonight but we met a Highlanders side that played their best and I just take my hat off to them. They deserved to be victorious and deserve to have a good night.
"Wellington, you've got a good team here stick with us. I won't be playing any more but there'll be plenty of good times ahead and we'll get the trophy for you - I promise."
