Former Fiji Under-20 winger, Timoci Tavatavanawai scored twice for the Crusaders as the defending champions came from behind to edge the Highlanders 28-26 in the Super Rugby Aotearoa pre-season clash.
The former Queen Victoria School student beautifully finished one of the Crusaders moves from a sharp set-piece move.
The Crusaders trailed 26-0 at half-time.
Another Fiji born player, Jona Nareki got a try for the Highlanders.
The Crusaders have lost loose forward Tom Sanders for 8 to 10 weeks with a fractured cheek and are without centre Braydon Ennor with a knee injury and hooker Andrew Makalio with a neck injury for the entire Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign.
The Crusaders will now face the Blues next week in a pre-season match.
