INVERCARGILL, New Zealand, 21 February 2004 — The Otago Highlanders ignored inhospitable conditions to launch their 2004 Super 12 rugby campaign with a resounding 39-8 win over the Queensland Reds here yesterday.
Heavy rain, swept across the ground by a chilly southerly wind, began falling moments before kickoff and hardly let up as the Highlanders gave the Australian franchise a rude reminder of their shortcomings.
They were on the board in the opening minute and were firmly in control 27-0 by half-time.
The Reds, who have not won a Super 12 match in New Zealand since 1999, have been written off by most Australian critics, and it was easy to see why as they failed to come to grips with the conditions and the variations of play in the Highlanders armory.
Although possession was evenly shared, the Reds were outscored five tries to one by a team wanting to put behind them a fractious 2003 when internal feuding eventually saw coach Laurie Mains retire.
With former assistant coach Greg Cooper in charge for the first time, the Highlanders were a harmonious unit, outthinking and outmaneuvering the Reds.
Mobile lock Filipo Levi opened their account with the first of his two tries after receiving the ball from fly-half Tony Brown close to the line and blocking his way through a clutch of defenders.
Following Levi’s try, elusive wing Aisea Tuilevu and flanker Josh Blackie dotted down to leave the Highlanders 27-0 up by the break.
Levi scored his second try 14 minutes into the second spell to secure his side a bonus point and effectively confirm the outcome before the Reds managed their sole try to substitute Sean Hardman.
