Folau Fakatava of the Highlanders. Photo: Photosport
The Highlanders' Super Rugby Pacific playoffs hopes have taken another hit following a last-gasp 21-20 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney.
Reserve hooker Mahe Vailanu powered across with less than two minutes remaining to give the home side just their second win since round two and lift them to sixth.
The Highlanders are eighth - sharing the same 3 win-six loss record - ahead of treacherous encounters over the next two weeks against the Chiefs and Brumbies.
The last-placed New Zealand side have lost three in a row but looked like ending that streak when tries to Hugh Renton and Aaron Smith lifted them six points clear.
However, a 75th minute yellow card shown to lock Pari Pari Parkinson for a "cynical offending" at a breakdown opened the door for the Waratahs to launch a late and decisive attack.
The home side led a modest spectacle 14-6 at halftime following tries to their midfield backs Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi.
- RNZ
