Crusaders beat Highlanders 29-18 in South Island derby

Crusaders 29-18 Highlanders, Christchurch

The Crusaders secured a hard-fought 29-18 victory over the Highlanders in the South Island derby, overcoming poor discipline and three yellow cards to claim an important Super Rugby Pacific win.

Debutant loose forward Johnny Lee proved the match-winner, scoring two second-half tries to swing momentum in favour of the hosts.

Despite long periods playing with reduced numbers, the Crusaders delivered a determined defensive performance to shut down a Highlanders comeback and seal a valuable derby victory.

Early Tries Keep Derby Tight

The Crusaders started the match with attacking intent and struck first through Will Jordan. The fullback produced a brilliant solo effort, stepping past a defender before sprinting clear of several chasing players to score the opening try.

The Highlanders quickly responded when Caleb Tangitau broke through the defence and drew the final defender before sending Tanielu Tele’a over to level the scores.

The visitors then moved ahead after prop Angus Ta’avao made a rare break through midfield. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens backed up the run perfectly to finish the move and give the Highlanders the lead.

Fletcher Newell soon brought the Crusaders back into the contest with a try for the hosts, but discipline began to cost them. Yellow cards to front-rowers Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis in the first half disrupted their momentum and allowed the Highlanders to build pressure.

Fly-half Cam Millar capitalised by kicking penalties that pushed the Highlanders ahead 18-12 shortly after halftime.

Johnny Lee Changes The Match

The turning point arrived early in the second half. With the Crusaders trailing, debutant Johnny Lee stepped up with two decisive tries.

Lee first combined with Ethan Blackadder to power over in the 49th minute, putting the Crusaders back in front. Just six minutes later he struck again, finishing another attacking move to extend the lead and swing momentum firmly toward the home side.

Rivez Reihana added further points from the tee as the Crusaders continued to apply pressure.

Crusaders Defence Holds Firm

The Crusaders thought they had sealed the contest when Xavier Saifoloi crossed the line, but the try was ruled out for interference in the buildup.

Even so, the hosts held firm defensively during the final stages. The Highlanders pushed for a late score but were repeatedly turned away, and the Crusaders managed the closing minutes effectively to deny their rivals a losing bonus point.

The win marked the 50th derby clash between the two sides and lifted the Crusaders above the Highlanders on the standings. The only concern for the hosts was the injury to captain David Havili, who was forced to leave the field in the 23rd minute.

Team line up:

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Finlay Brewis

Reserves: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Xavier Saifoloi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Dallas McLeod

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy (co-captain), 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Tomas Lavanini, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Reserves: 16 Soana Viekna, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Oli Haig, 20 Nikora Broughton, 21 Veveni Lasaqa, 22 Adam Lennox, 23 Reesjan Pasiota