HIGHLIGHTS: Highlanders v Crusaders

The Crusaders kicked off the defence of their Super Rugby Aotearoa Title with a 26-13 away win over their South Island rivals the Highlanders in the opening round. Two tries saw the Crusaders race out to a 14-0 lead, but they then picked up a yellow card 22 minutes in. The Highlanders capitalised on their numerical advantage with a try to get on the scoreboard and ran in a second ten minutes later just before the break to trail 10-14 at halftime. An early second half Highlanders penalty reduced the deficit to just a single point at 14-13. Five minutes later the Crusaders had their third try to give themselves some breathing room at 19-13, which it remained heading into the final quarter. The Crusaders missed a penalty attempt 63 minutes in to make it a two score ball game. The Highlanders then piled on the pressure, but were kept out by some outstanding Crusaders defence. The Crusaders sealed the victory with their fourth try after 72 minutes and despite picking up a late yellow card, prevented the Highlanders a chance at snatching a losing bonus point.