All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson scored two tries in a match-winning performance as the Highlanders beat South Africa's Cheetahs 24-21 in their Super Rugby clash on Friday.

Thomson scored a try in each half as the Highlanders built a 17-14 halftime lead and improved their season record to five wins from seven matches.

The athletic blindside flanker, battling for a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad, ran for more than 120 metres to leave the luckless Cheetahs with only one win from eight games.

The Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs missed more than 27 tackles in a loss which kept them at the foot of the championship table.

"We really wanted to get a (four-try) bonus point tonight and we didn't, but we're happy with the win," Highlanders captain Jamie McDonald said.

"We've been building slowly into our game.

"We probably got a bit direct against the Stormers and against the Crusaders our game plan wasn't quite right, but tonight we were trying to use a bit of space and getting a bit of fun.

"When we get it right it's good, but we do put ourselves under a bit of pressure."

Thomson scored his first try after 11 minutes as the Highlanders set out to play an enterprising style, forcing turnovers then scoring through continuity play.

Otago attacked at every opportunity and were most dangerous from Cheetahs turnovers.

Flyhalf Colin Slade forced the turnover from which Thomson scored his first try, linking with centre Kendrick Lynn, who straightened the attack and sent Thomson over on the left flank.

Slade added a penalty which gave the Highlanders a 10-0 lead after 16 minutes.

Prop WP Nel scored a try which, with the conversion from flyhalf Sias Ebersohn, cut the lead to 10-7 after 21 minutes.

Kendrick Lynn scored an outstanding try from a lineout in the 27th minute to push Otago to 17-7, but Robert Ebersohn hit back five minutes before the break with a try which cut the lead to 17-14.

Thomson's second try four minutes after halftime effectively settled the match. Lynn again made a decisive attack and Thomson joined in after Slade to extend Otago's lead to 24-14.

The Cheetahs hit back late with a try to winger Philip Burger, but couldn't get any closer.

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