Same early season inconsistencies from Crusaders despite their insistence in preseason they had figured it out

Sopoaga had the distance but not the direction

Highlanders now with the momentum, and retaining the possession well. Crusaders penalized for not releasing in the tack. Sopoaga takes aim for a kick at goal in an attempt to close the gap

The Highlanders capitalize on the opportunity and Fekitoa crashes his way over for the try , and Sopoaga adds the extra two by slotting the conversion from right in front

Yet another pass goes forward , this time by the Crusaders. Highlanders now with a great chance as the scrum is inside the Crusaders 22

A promising Highlanders attack comes to nothing as the pass from Aaron Smith goes forward. Trying to go too flat with that pass

Penalty to the Highlanders as Luke Romano penalized for a no arm tackle. Ref not going into his pocket this time.

Great defense by the Crusaders forcing the Highlanders back into their own half. Highlanders penalized for holding on to the ball on the ground. Slade takes aim

Ill discipline costing the Highlanders here and Slade takes aim at the posts, and this time splits the uprights to extend the Crusaders' lead

Crusaders just not able to hold onto the ball as they knock it on , scrum to the Highlanders inside their own half