We played a good first half and we really put them under pressure," Highlanders captain Nasi Manu said. "But I think when we came out in the second half we were guilty of defending the lead and not playing much rugby and, like a dangerous Hurricanes side, they almost caught us." Sopoagas outstanding kicking performance helped give the Highlanders an 18-9 lead in the first half. Phil Burleigh and Patrick Osborne then scored second-half tries to give the Highlanders a 35-12 lead after 56 minutes. "It was a tricky first half in which penalties ruled the day and we couldnt get into it," Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith said. "But we felt pretty good and then we just got caught chasing the game again. We coughed up a try and there were a few 50-50 moments but good sides respond better than that." ------ Highlanders 35 (Phil Burleigh, Patrick Osborne tries; Lima Sopoaga 2 conversions, 7 penalties), Hurricanes 31 (Beauden Barrett 2, Ben Franks tries; Beauden Barrett 2 conversions, 4 penalties). Halftime: 18-9. Custom Dallas Stars Jerseys . The triple gold medallist from the 2010 Paralympics tweeted on Tuesday: "Woke up with a virus yesterday. Timing couldnt be much worse. Not the ideal prep for the . Jon Casey Jersey . CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (Pistons): Yes they got Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings in the off-season and Andre Drummond is a beast (teams are kicking themselves for passing on him - he rebounds and block shots every game - thats two more discernable and significant skills than most guys in his draft class), but dont for a second discount the impact of having a savvy veteran like Billups on your team. http://www.authenticstarspro.com/Jamie-benn-stars-jersey/ . Appearing on TSN 1050 on Tuesday, Sean McAdam of Comcast SportsNet New England reported that the Blue Jays, along with a number of other playoff contenders were in the mix for the Boston ace.SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Aldon Smith might not have the intimidating and impressive sack numbers of past seasons in his abbreviated year, yet he judges his play by more than just flattening opposing quarterbacks.Smith believes he has done well applying pressure since returning from a nine-game suspension that has made it tough for him to gain much momentum on an ever-changing, beat-up 49ers defence.Ive been making plays, havent been getting sacks but getting pressure, Smith said. I feel good. Still making plays, still making it hard for the quarterback to throw and creating havoc in the backfield.Defensive co-ordinator Vic Fangio, who called Smith rusty when he returned last month, has spoken of Smiths inconsistencies on the pass rush at times. Pressuring the quarterback has regularly been a problem, and the 49ers (7-7) will have to contend with San Diegos Philip Rivers on Saturday night.Smith has 12 tackles and two sacks in five games, four starts.Theres a lot more to the job than just sacks. I mean, setting an edge, drops into coverage, physical against the run in the tackles, coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday. I think hes done a very good job and (it has) been good for everybody to have him back out there.Finishing with a winning season, not chasing a Super Bowl ring as so many of the 49ers planned, is what the season has come to with two games left.It is different, this is my first year not being in the playoffs after having an extra couple games, Smith said. So, its different, but take advantage of this time and when its time to start, be ready.Smith missed the first nine games this season for violations of the NFLs substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies. That came after a five-game absence last year to undergo treatment following his September 2013 DUI arrest. The 25-year-old Smith was also arrested April 13 at Los Angeles International Airport. Police said Smith was randomly selected for a secondary screening and became unco-operative with the process, telling a TSA agent that he had a bomb. No charges were filed.He hopes to finally put all of that behind him. Away from the field, Smith said he believes hess now on the right track. Dino Ciccarelli Jersey. feel like Ive done what I needed to do, Smith said.The 49ers picked up Smiths option for 2015, though they will certainly be no-nonsense when it comes to his behaviour — or anybody elses for that matter — going forward.We talk to our players often about respect, accountability, character, what that means, general manager Trent Baalke said Wednesday. Were a big part of this community, and we expect a lot from our players. We have high expectations. And, for the most part, they live up to those expectations. In certain instances, they dont. And when they dont, you try to deal with it and help them the best you can. Sometimes, we have been judged to maybe give them too much leeway. I think thats a little bit harsh, but at the same time I understand that because I understand what the logo means, the shield means, both at the NFL level and the San Francisco 49ers.Smith, for one, hopes to be playing alongside fearsome defensive lineman Justin Smith for another year. Justin Smith hasnt said whether he will return for a 15th NFL season in 2015.I just hope we can end it on a strong note. Its good to play with him and if hes here next year, thats good, Aldon Smith said. If hes not, then Im sure hell be happy retired.Fangio has joked about flying to Missouri to talk Justin Smith into another year.If I was the D-coordinator, I would, too. ... If I was Vic Fangio, Id do the same thing, safety Antoine Bethea said. Thats his decision with his family. Obviously whatever he decides, helluva career, lot of respect for him as a player, as a man.Aldon and Justin Smith are two players opponents must consider on every snap, even with all the other mixing and matching through injuries on the defence.I still think the two Smiths, those guys are awesome players, Rivers said.Notes: Harbaugh expects RB Frank Gore to play Saturday after he has responded well following a concussion last week. ... Tony Jerod-Eddie is slated to start in place of DL Ray McDonald, who was released Wednesday amid a sexual assault investigation.___Online:AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '