Crusaders leave it late to floor Highlanders

On a rare off day, the Crusaders struggled to hit top form for most of the match against the Highlanders but were able to lift themselves at the end to claim a 34-19 win.

People say it's a mark of true champions to win even when they aren't playing well. If that cliche holds, the Crusaders are going to be tough to catch in Super Rugby Pacific in 2022.

The scoreline perhaps suggests a comfortable win but nothing could be further from the truth as they struggled to gain the upper hand for about 90% of the match.

The Highlanders began the game with a flourish, racing to a 13-0 lead inside the opening quarter of an hour.

Sam Gilbert scored the first try of the game after being put through by some excellent handling from Mitch Hunt. The flyhalf converted the try as well as kicking two penalties on either side of the seven-pointer.

The Crusaders, in true fashion, hit back almost immediately through Sevu Reece, who took advantage of a napping defence with a quick tap and dart over the line from close range in the 16th minute. Fergus Burke added the extras.

The winger was at it again around 30 minutes in when he went over for his second try of the game but this time it was more of a team effort after a beautiful, flowing backline move by the Crusaders. Burke's conversion was good.

Hunt kept the Highlanders in the game with penalties on either side of halftime to give the Highlanders a 19-17 lead.

Burke kicked a penalty in the 53rd minute before the Highlanders thought they had another try. Hunt was tackled just before the line and managed to bundle his way over but was ruled to have been held up by the defence.

The Crusaders finally found top gear with around 15 minutes of the game remaining as Leicester Fainga'anuku drew in two