Matt Faddes scored a long-range intercept try in the 56th minute that gave the Highlanders some breathing room as they snapped a five-game losing streak with victory over the Blues in Dunedin on Saturday.

All Blacks loose forward Shannon Frizell also scored a try for the home side, while their forwards destroyed the Blues scrum to earn a penalty try early in the second half to secure their first win since Feb. 22.

Blues blindside flanker Tom Robinson also continued to push himself forward as a World Cup dark horse selection with a first-half try after a Ma'a Nonu line break, while fullback Melani Nanai scored in the final minute of the game.

The 36-year-old Nonu, who last played for the All Blacks in the 2015 World Cup final, also continued his recent strong form that has also propelled him into discussions for the global showpiece.