Crusaders beats Highlanders 33-13 in Christchurch

The Crusaders beat the Highlanders 33-13  in Christchurch last night.

The Highlanders opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Josh Ioane kicked a penalty, but from there it was one-way traffic in the Crusaders favour.

Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor was the first to score in the 12th minute off an attacking lineout, with David Havili adding two points with the conversion.

Next to score for the Crusaders was Tom Christie in the 20th minute.

Radio NZ reports the Highlanders, however, managed to strike right back two minutes later when fullback Michael Collins scored in the left-hand corner off the back of a counter-attack.

The celebrations for the Highlanders were short-lived though, with Crusaders midfielder Brayden Ennor bumping off a tackle on the Highlanders 22 before running in under the posts in the 25th minute.

George Bridge also joined in the try-scoring spoils eight minutes before half time to give the Crusaders a 26-8 lead at half time.

The second half was more subdued than the first, with the first points coming in the 64th minute by way of Highlanders wing Jona Nareki who touched down in the left-hand corner.

The Crusaders struck back nine minutes later in the 75th minute when Sione Havili dotted down, sealing the victory for the hosts.

In other games this weekend, the Rebels meet the Sharks at 3.45pm today, the Chiefs and the Brumbies clash at 6.15pm today and Reds face the Sunwolves at 8.15 tonight.

The Stormers will take on the Jaguares at 1.05am tomorrow while the Bulls and Blues face off at 3.15 am tomorrow.

[Source: Radio NZ]

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