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Waratahs wiz Kurtley Beale was instrumental in bringing the Waratahs back from a 23-6 halftime deficit to win the match 30-23, staging a remarkable second-half comeback.
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After setting up flyhalf Bernard Foley from close range, it was this long-range effort that sparked the rally.
Halfback Phipps pounced on a loose ball from the Highlanders lineout and the next phase the Waratahs spun it wide to their dangerman Beale. The mercurial playmaker ghosted through the sliding defence, breaking diving tackles before putting a fend on Highlanders midfielder Tei Waldon. With the fullback closing, Beale took the smart option and setup fullback Israel Folau for the try.
With the Waratahs quickly gaining momentum, it was a Folau break that set up another Foley try for three tries in a ten minute period that stunned the visitors. After a late barrage from the Highlanders, the Waratahs held tight to defend their 7-point lead and stop the game from heading to an extra period.
The Australian conference champions will now face the Lions in a Super Rugby semi-final.
