Skip to content

Highlanders 20-40 Crusaders: Will Jordan shines in Crusaders win

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the Super Rugby Aotearoa clash between the Highlanders and Crusaders

The Crusaders stepped up a gear in the second half to beat the Highlanders 40-20 and move top of the Super Rugby Aotearoa table.

The Highlanders had held a 17-14 lead at half-time, but the Crusaders found another gear when they needed to and scored five tries to two to come out on top.

Winger Will Jordan crossed once in each half as the Crusaders moved to the top of the table with their third victory in the competition, setting up a potential title decider with the unbeaten Blues next week in Christchurch.

Will Jordan produced another superb display for the Crusaders
Image: Will Jordan produced another superb display for the Crusaders

Loose forward Tom Christie also scored two second-half tries for the Crusaders as they relentlessly ground down the Highlanders.

It had looked ominous for the Highlanders as the Crusaders jumped out to an 8-0 lead through a Richie Mo'unga penalty and Jordan's try and were dominating the scrum.

Highlanders and All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith, however, began to direct his pack better and they stormed back with tries by Shannon Frizell and winger Ngane Punivai to take a 14-8 lead.

Sam Whitelock runs into contact
Image: Sam Whitelock runs into contact

Two Mo'unga penalties dragged the Crusaders back into the game before Mitchell Hunt's penalty gave the home side a 17-14 advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Also See:

Jordan continued to stamp his mark after half-time, his run setting up Christie's first try after the visitors dominated the opening 10 minutes of the second period.

The Highlanders effectively gave the Crusaders the only chance they needed to close out the game when replacement hooker Ash Dixon and winger Jona Nareki both failed to pass the ball to unmarked players less than 10 metres from the line.

Aaron Smith breaks for the Highlanders
Image: Aaron Smith breaks for the Highlanders

Crusaders winger Sevu Reece gave them breathing room shortly afterwards before the visitors controlled possession to shift the momentum back in their favour.

Christie ensured victory three minutes from time with his second try before Jordan completed the scoring to complete his second successive two-try performance.

Around Sky