Otago highlanders
Crusaders win Super Rugby Aotearoa after customary late surge
The little-fancied Highlanders led for the first 60 minutes but could not hold back the red wave as the Crusaders took control in the final quarter -- a period...
They led 32-16 after 55 minutes and then produced a gritty defence to hold off the desperate Highlanders who controlled the final quarter and threw everything at the visitors.
The Hurricanes were cruising at 17-0 ahead, commanding more than 66% of possession in the second half, before the Highlanders came to life.
The changes are aimed at making the game more exciting for fans and will be trialled during the 10-week event which will kick off with a game between Otago Highlanders and Waikato Chiefs in Dunedin.
The defeat of the Otago Highlanders on Saturday was the first by an Australian team against New Zealand opposition in the competition in 41 matches over two years.
Beaten by the Sharks in their last start in Durban, the Highlanders were glad to return to their Forsyth Barr stronghold, where they notched their 11th win in succession.
The Lions now head to Rotorua to face the Maori All Blacks in their fifth game of the 10-match tour on Saturday.
The Otago Highlanders took their chances ruthlessly to dethrone the New South Wales Waratahs.
The Highlanders beat the Sharks 25-22 in a Super Rugby match in Dunedin.
Queensland Reds have beaten Otago Highlanders in their Super Rugby match.
Former New Zealand Maori lock Hoani Macdonald is in stable condition after collapsing during a game.
Jamie Joseph will stay on as head coach of the Highlanders for another two years.
Lock Jarrad Hoeata scored a late try as the Otago Highlanders upset the Bulls 16-11 on Saturday.
A preview of all the Super Rugby action this weekend by EWN Sport's Marc Lewis.
Chris Noakes scored 17 points in 20 minutes as the Otago Highlanders snatched a victory over the Cheetahs.