Waratahs overrun Highlanders in stunning second-half fightback

Trailing by 17 at half-time, the Australian Conference winners staged a remarkable revival to pile on 24 unanswered points in the second period on the way to a second successive win over the Highlanders.

Bernard Foley was the chief destroyer, crossing twice either side of Israel Folau's 10th of the season in a game-changing burst that began in the 54th minute.

The Waratahs had earlier appeared set for a quick exit from their first play-off appearance in three years when tries from Waisake Naholo and Rob Thompson, and a trio of Lima Sopoaga penalties, combined to put the Highlanders in a commanding position.

But the influence of fly-half Foley, who finished with 25 points, and some desperate defence late in the match, swung the contest in favour of the New South Wales franchise, who recorded their first post-season win since beating the Crusaders in the 2014 final.