The Highlanders celebrated the first Super Rugby match at their new Dunedin stadium with an impressive 27-24 victory over the Canterbury Crusaders last night to follow up their opening week upset of the Chiefs.
Tries from hooker Andrew Hore, centre Phil Burleigh and winger Hosea Gear, as well as 12 points from the boot of flyhalf Lima Sopoaga, held off a Crusaders comeback in front of a passionate crowd under the roof at the Otago Regional Stadium.
The home side grabbed the momentum at the end of the first half, and went into the break 20-10, however the
Crusaders came out firing in the second half with a try followed by two penalties.
But 12 minutes from time quick hands in the backline got the ball out to All Black Gear and he made no mistake with a classic winger's finish in the corner.
Sopoaga calmly added the extra points from out wide to give the Highlanders the lead.
Across the Tasman the Queensland Reds survived a second-half scare by the Western Force, the defending champions prevailed 35-20.
And in South Africa the Bulls beat the Cheetahs 51-19.
