It is pretty much like they are playing a different sport.
It might still be stupid o clock when Super Rugby action kicks off on the other side of the world, but trust us, when it produces moments of magic like this, it’s bloody worth it.
The Highlanders took on Western Force this morning in their round six clash in Dunedin, and the game has produced both the best, and worst trys of the year so far.
Firstly the Force managed to score probably the easiest five points ever when Dane Haylett-Petty gobbled up a mistimed offload just outside the Highlanders own try-line to touch down.
However the Highlanders forced their back into the game, and it was level at 14 each at the break thanks to this incredible 80m try that was finished off by Dan Pryor.
Just weep at those offloads.
@AndSamFrench @DaiSoper #NZRugby at his best #Highlanders vs western force gr8 try #Support pic.twitter.com/ChRkdQ6eTX
— Barry Nevin (@bazzayiddo) April 1, 2016
Fans watching at home swooned as well they should.
TRY! A counter attacking masterpiece from within our own 22 ends with a try to Pryor! #HIGvFOR #WeAreHighlanders
— Highlanders (@Highlanders) April 1, 2016
80m, 4 off loads, 0 tackles, 1 try! Counter attacking at it's best! Great stuff out of the #highlanders #SuperRugby
— Ozer McMahon (@OzerMcmahon) April 1, 2016
Ohhh my goodness. What a TRY by the Highlanders on the counter. Pryor gets over the line but great teamwork #SSRugby
— Black Carnegie 🇿🇼 (@carson_mase2) April 1, 2016
Magic try that by Highlanders. Dan Pryor finished but there was some great handling and speed there. Boys look back on point.
— Marc Hinton (@marchintonnz) April 1, 2016