Seta Tamanivalu’s sweeping try with less than two minutes remaining has sealed the Crusaders a thrilling 30-27 come-from-behind Super Rugby win in Dunedin.
A thrilling South Island derby was decided in the last half-hour as the visitors’ forwards got on top and laid the platform for all four of their tries.
Trailing 27-6 soon after halftime, the Crusaders stormed back to post their second narrow win following last week’s 17-13 home defeat of the Brumbies.
It was more pain for the injury-hit Highlanders, who were pipped last week by the Chiefs and have now lost successive games at home for the first time in four seasons.
They lost All Blacks fullback and captain Ben Smith last week to concussion and look like they could be without flanker James Lentjes (shoulder) and hooker Adrian Smith (knee) for a spell after both were early casualties.
Match officials will also review a pivotal incident with seven minutes remaining when Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa didn’t contest a high ball, resulting in a heavy fall for Crusaders fullback David Havili.
All Blacks No.13 Fekitoa was shown a yellow card and, in his absence, the rampant Crusaders created overlaps to cross twice.
Whetu Douglas put the visitors within sight before three-Test back Tamanivalu capped an irrepressible attack from deep, eventually stepping out of tackles from Lima Sopoaga and Tevita Li to cross in the corner.
It silenced a crowd which had expected the Highlanders to roar away when All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo bagged his second try, a brilliant score which began when Sopoaga’s chip over the backline was fielded by Fekitoa.
Tries to flanker Gareth Evans and Naholo helped the hosts grab a flattering 17-6 halftime lead after the Crusaders had dominated the opening quarter.
A turning point came when a dominant Crusaders scrum earned them a penalty try.
Havili scored from a slick blindside move soon before suffering the fall which forced him from the field.
ClarkeG
Guest
If you thought that one was bad have a look at the Collier one for NZ against Arg in the 7s at Las Vegas.
Sylvester
Guest
Harsh call, in my view. I was strongly in favour of the card against the Brumbies last week, because there wasn't a genuine contest then. On this occasion, Fekitoa did leave the ground and Havili didn't help by putting himself in an awkward position to catch the ball. Was fortunate enough to see this game live (first time at FB Stadium). Student area - the Zoo - was going off. The Crusaders were terrible for much the of game so I was surprised they came away with the win. The two set piece tries the Highlanders scored were gems.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Agreed, it wasn't intentional, it wasn't reckless.. it was unfortunate, its rugby and the players know the risk and accept it - the wuss officials trying to run the game ...welll.. (by that i mean the sanctimonious lawmakers..though it is a little intriguing how officious the game referees are - shame they are not so passionate and accurate in other aspects of the game.. )
Ben
Guest
Thought the yellow card was wrong...at the time when they were replaying it (and boy they replayed that more than ive seen before) i thought at worst a penalty if that!
bigbaz
Roar Guru
With 20 to go I thought beauty, I'll get one tip right. B: gger
BBA
Guest
I think what is good too, is that they do play different games as well, and are strong in different areas so that the AB's are clearly better than any individual SR team.
AndyS
Guest
Pretty impressive stuff between well matched teams. You look at the Highlanders over the last few years, how the Chiefs have performed, and the Hurricanes breaking though last year - just goes to show what can be achieved by levelling the playing field and not focusing all attention and talent into two teams. The All Blacks were strong when it was all about Auckland and Canterbury, but they are stronger now.
Hello Everybody.
Guest
Now thats a derby.