Highlanders claim top position with 25-17 win over Crusaders

Highlanders 25-17 Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Scorecard

Fly-half Lima Sopoaga contributed with 15 points as Highlanders went on to claim the top position in the Super Rugby 2018 table with a 25-17 triumph over Crusaders.

Winger George Bridge got Crusaders off the mark with a fifth minute try that was improved Mitch Hunt. Highlanders' response came from back to back touchdowns from Liam Coltman followed by a converted try from Sopoaga as the home side increased their lead to seven points.

A penalty from Hunt helped Crusaders reduce the arrears and ended the first half with a 14-10 margin.

The second half started with Highlanders reduced to 14-men following a sin-bin to Waisake Naholo but despite the setback, they scored their third try coming from Elliot Dixon but five minutes later Bryn Hall dived past the line as the game had all results possible with a score of 19-17 at the end of the third quarter.

As the visitors failed to give the final push, Sopoaga kicked back to back penalties in the 65th and 69th minutes to help Highlanders complete a 25-17 victory.