Johnny Lee scored a double in his first Super Rugby appearance as the Crusaders beat the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
The Crusaders beat the Highlanders 29-18 to emerge triumphant at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, and it was fitting that the last southern derby at the old joint in front of around 15,000 fans was memorable.
The difference, in the end, was that the Crusaders - despite their poor discipline - had the edge across the park with debutant openside flanker Johnny Lee scoring a double as his side logged four tries to the Highlanders' two.
For the Crusaders, this was a welcome return to form after their lacklustre effort when they were defeated by the Blues in Auckland last weekend. It also takes the pressure off after three losses in the opening four rounds.
But it came at a price, with captain David Havili trudging off with what appeared to be a painful ankle injury.
There were yellow cards to Crusaders players Codie Taylor, Finlay Brewis and Chay Fihaki - and the latter was fortunate not to be red-carded.
The feeling became apparent mid-way through the first half when Highlanders lock Dunshea crunched into Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham as the latter kicked possession from the ruck.
Dunshea took Hotham's leg as he stretched out, and it could have resulted in injury.
So, Crusaders lock Shalfoon pulled out the sheriff's badge.
He let Dunshea know he wasn't having that, crashing his huge frame into the Highlander's man and squeezing his head into the turf.
In other games, the Blues host Moana Pasifika at 2.35 this afternoon.
Taking a look at earlier results, the Hurricanes beat the Force 31-23, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua thumped the Brumbies 42-27, and the Reds overcame the Waratahs 26-17.
Source: stuff.co.nz
