Crusaders avenge season-opening loss against Highlanders

The Crusaders have overcome three yellow cards and a plucky Highlanders side 29-18 to win their southern Super Rugby Pacific derby in Christchurch.

The defending champions avenged their season-opening 25-23 loss to their southern rivals last month, a big boost, after entering the match with only one win from four outings.

The Highlanders led 15-12 at halftime, after both teams scored two tries apiece, and the Crusaders temporarily lost front-rowers Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis for yellow-card infringements in the first half.

They looked in danger of a red card, when Chay Fihaka cannoned high into the Highlanders first-five Cam Millar halfway through the second half, but it stayed yellow, as officials ruled a late dip at the contact. Millar stayed off the field, after failing a head injury assessment

In between, debutant flanker Johnny Lee scored two tries to give them the edge.

While they had another try disallowed for obstruction, the Crusaders had enough defensive smarts to hold onto their lead.

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The Highlanders tried hard for a bonus point late in the match, but were held out.

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