Naholo, Faddes doubles power Highlanders to victory over Crusaders

Highlanders 34-26 Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Scorecard

Double tries from centre Matt Faddes and winger Waisake Naholo have taken the Highlanders to the top of the New Zealand Super Rugby conference after they defeated Crusaders 34-26 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Crusaders were having the upper hand in the game until the 21st minute after fly-half Richie Mo'unga scored three penalties as compared to one by his counterpart Lima Sopoaga.

However, things went south for the Crusaders as Highlanders scored three tries in the next 15 minutes. Two of it came from Naholo while Faddes scored one in the 29th minute. At the half-time, Highlanders were leading Crusaders by eight points with a scoreline 20-12.

After a calm 10-minute play in the second half, Waddes once again returned to the action scoring his second try in the game in the 51st minute.

Even though the Crusaders capitalised on the sin-bin of lock Joe Wheeler with a try on 60th minute, Higlanders went on to score the fifth try in the 70th minute to seal the game with a bonus point.

The victory also took Highlanders to the top of the table with 37 points joining Crusaders and Chiefs.