Highlanders maintained their unbeaten run at home after defeating the Crusaders

The Highlanders maintained their unbeaten run at home and turned back the Crusaders in a thrilling 25-17 win last night.

The Highlanders made it three wins from three to start their campaign while the Crusaders slumped for a record of two wins and two losses.

Slightly fortunate to be 14‑10 up at halftime, the Highlanders were the better side in the second spell to maintain their perfect record under new coach Aaron Mauger.

It backed up their round one win against the Blues, and last week's win against the Stormers, giving first‑year head coach Aaron Mauger a dream start to his tenure.

It was the two last quarter penalty goals by first five‑eighths Lima Sopoaga that sealed the game for the home side and turned back the three losses they suffered at the Crusaders' hands last year.

The Highlanders outscored the reigning champions three tries to two.

In other match results, the Brumbies beat the Sharks  24‑17, the Stormers beat the Blues 37‑20 while the Lions edged the Sunwolves 40‑38.

Meanwhile in other matches today the Jaguares will take on the Reds at 9:40am while the Waratahs take on the Rebels 5.05pm.

Source: Newshub