Highlanders put down off-season marker
The victors crossed the line for six tries, while the Crusaders managed two in front of the 3,200 fans at the Centennial Park.
The Highlanders ensured that the leaders didn't settle into the style that took them to the top of their conference, and also succeeded in scoring the first try after 11 minutes.
Rob Thompson the was the man to strike first for the Highlanders as he passed his man after a five-meter scrum and planted the ball down between the sticks, almost doing Marty Banks's job for him with a conversion kick so close to the posts.
Around the halfway mark of the first half Matt Todd snuck a try for the Crusaders from a quick tap five meters out, catching the southerners off guard and allowing for an easy conversion.
Marty McKenzie's kicking wasn't the best during the fixture, having some of his kicks chased down by the Highlanders to put the Crusaders in tough defensive positions.
Another mistake by McKenzie around the 5 meter was pounced on by Jason Emery who then forced his way over the try line. With Banks' conversion the Highlanders took a 14-7 lead 10 minutes before half-time.
Both teams made certain that tired legs were substituted during the second half.
Even with the changes the Highlanders maintained their form with Ryan Tongia ripping through the Crusaders defence to score again giving them a 14 point cushion with the conversion.
The domination continued with Thompson and Te Aihe Toms who both scored. Banks added the extras for both tries putting the Highlanders up to 28 points.
Crusaders did, however, retaliate with a try of their own when substitute Mitchell Hunt made his appearance and bagged one for himself. The Crusaders missed their conversion kick from Nadolo.
The Crusaders chances of a comeback were crushed shortly afterwards when Fa'asoi Fuatai found himself over the try line after Thompson did all the heavy lifting putting the score at 33-12.
The Highlanders scored another try for good measure when Fletcher Smith came on as a sub and put the scoring on 40 with the converted kick.
Thompson and Emery could be considered the heavy lifters for the Highlanders team in the fixture while the Crusaders No. 8 Jordan Taufua put in the losing sides' best effort.
The Crusaders are on top of the New Zealand conference and the Highlanders at forth place.
The scorers:
For Crusaders:
Tries: Nemani Nadolo, Mitchell Hunt
Cons: Richie Mo'unga
For Highlanders:
Tries: Rob Thompson, Jason Emery, Ryan Tongia, Te Aihe Toms, Fa'asoi Fuatai, Fletcher Smith
Cons: Marty Banks (4) Fletcher Smith
Teams:
Highlanders: 15 Matt Faddes, 14 Jack Wilson, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Ryan Tongia, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Te Aihe Toma, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Shane Christie (captain), 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Mark Reddish, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 1 Aki Seiuli.
Replacements – from: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, James Lentjes, Dan Pryor, Jamie Booth, Fletcher Smith, Teihorangi Walden, Michael Collins, Faasiu Fuatai, Hame Faiva, Tom Franklin, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Jackson Hemopo, Craig Millar.
Crusaders: 15 Marty McKenzie, 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Jimmy Tupou (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Mike Alaalatoa, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Vella, 17 Tom Hill, 18 Samu Twake, 19 Pari Pari Parkinson, 20 Brad Hemopo, 21 Jed Brown 22 Leon Fukofuka 23 Mitchell Hunt, 24 Jack Goodhue, 25 Sean Wainui.
