Highlanders v Crusaders recap: Highlanders get the better of Crusaders in southern derby

Tanielu Tele'a scored the opening try of the game. Photo / Photosport

The Highlanders have beaten the Crusaders 32-29 in Dunedin.

It’s the Highlanders’ fifth win of the season, while the Crusaders’ record falls to 2-9.

The hosts opened the scoring through Tanielu Tele’a in the sixth minute, but a yellow card to Folau Fakatava soon after opened the door for the Crusader to hit back. They did, taking the lead with tries through Sevu Reece and Dallas McLeod.

A try to Cam Millar put the Highlanders back in front, and he added two penalties to push the halftime lead to 12 points.

The Crusaders hit back with Reece scoring a second soon after halftime, but two late Millar penalties extended the lead again. Macca Springer scored in the dying stages to close the gap to three, but the Highlanders sealed a memorable win.