The Crusaders scored two tries in the final three minutes to beat the Highlanders 43‑38 in their final Super Rugby pre‑season match.
The defending Super Rugby champions were 14‑7 ahead at half‑time, but the lead changed hands several times in a competitive second half, with the Highlanders leading 38‑31 before tries from lock Mitchell Dunshea and fullback Will Jordan gave the Crusaders the win.
Manasa Mataele scored a try for the Crusaders.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs were made to work hard for a 21‑19 win over the Reds in a warm‑up match in Brisbane.
Both sides scored three tries, but it was Reds wing Filipo Daugunu’s missed conversion that proved the difference.
