Crusaders flex muscles in attritional win over Highlanders

The great southern derby played out in front of the raucous Zoo at Forsyth Barr Stadium, but those enthused Dunedin fans went home disappointed after a Crusaders rout.

The Highlanders got their game going in the second period, but only when the game was beyond reach. The Crusaders had the final say and notched 40 points to remain in contention for the number one seed.

The Highlanders made it clear early that they were willing to use Cam Millar’s boot to deal with the Crusaders’ line speed, while the Crusaders looked to flex their muscles at scrum time.

After making a linebreak, Taha Kemara was helped from the field in clear discomfort. Mitch Dunshea was bandaged up in the opening minutes and left the action momentarily, with Fabian Holland, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Corey Kellow, and Xavier Saifoloi also submitted to the injury ward.

Rivez Reihana’s early introduction into the game bore fruit within minutes as the reserve playmaker drew a tackler to unlock Will Jordan, who glided through the gap to score.

A half break by Xavier Saifoloi got the Crusaders on the front foot again soon after, and quick hands gave Macca Springer enough space to outpace Timoci Tavatavanawai and find Jordan on the inside, who claimed his second of the night.

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A Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens break got his side into scoring territory, and under pressure, Codie Taylor made an illegal tackle while still attached to the prior breakdown and was handed a yellow card.

Even when down to 14 men, the red wall held strong and won the ball back immediately following the dropout.

Taylor made up for his indiscretion immediately after re-entering the contest, scoring a try after Christian Lio-Willie got the Crusaders just shy of the line.

The speed of play was truly extraordinary as halftime neared, but even with consistent lightning-quick ball, the Highlanders couldn’t get their reward on the scoreboard.

The Crusaders committed consecutive penalties, helping a final Highlanders onslaught extend the half, only for Codie Taylor to win a breakdown penalty. Halftime score: 21-0.

A Folau Fakatava snipe had the Highlanders knocking on the Crusaders’ door once more, but again the Crusaders repelled each effort and held their hosts up over the line.

While maintaining their upper hand at the set piece, the Crusaders opted to go for the posts with their next penalty within range, extending their lead to 24 points.

Another 15 phases inside the Crusaders’ 22 yielded no points for the hosts, but a powerful run by Thomas Umaga-Jensen after the next scrum drew the defence and allowed Jonah Lowe to score in the corner.

Unfortunately for the Highlanders, it took just two minutes for the Crusaders to hit back. Will Jordan collected the contestable kick, and Corey Kellow showed his class with a diving finish after a silky inside ball from Ioane Moananu.

A miraculous clearance kick from Kyle Preston bounced into the 22 and earned his side a lineout in attacking territory, and Chay Fihaki made short work of the Highlanders’ defence to score just beside the posts.

With time running out, the Highlanders were quick to get back in the points column after tough carries saw them roll into Crusaders’ territory. A wide ball to Veveni Lasaqa gave the rookie his second try of the season.

Frantic final minutes saw play swing from goal line to goal line, and after a Moananu break, Taylor scored to end the game on a high for the Crusaders. Final score: 43-10.