Debutant Johnny Lee has announced himself in the South Island derby as the Crusaders survived their own ill-discipline for a 29-18 win over the Highlanders.
The Canterbury back-rower made a stellar impact, crossing for a double to give them the lead, before extending the margin shortly afterwards.
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Trailing by three, Lee combined with Ethan Blackadder to barge over in the 49th minute, before crossing six minutes later to further their lead.
The Crusaders survived three yellow cards throughout the contest, delivering a stoic defensive performance to secure the much-needed win.
Will Jordan lit up the derby early with a brilliant solo effort, stepping past his defender before sprinting away from three further defenders for the opener.
Caleb Tangitau quickly got the Highlanders back level when he dashed clear and drew the fullback for Tanielu Tele’a to strike.
The visitors extended the lead with a rare break from Angus Ta’avao, with Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens backing up his prop for the lead.
Fletcher Newell hit back for the hosts, but ill-discipline cost them the lead in the first half.
Front-rowers Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis were both yellow-carded in the first 40 minutes, while Cam Millar’s penalties gave the Highlanders an 18-12 lead just after the break.
This is where Lee turned the game, scoring twice in a six minute span.
Rivez Reihana added three further as the Highlanders couldn’t find a way through.
Xavier Saifoloi nearly sealed the derby win, with his try scratched off for his prior interference before Jordan’s break.
But the Crusaders did enough defensively to shut out any snuffs off a Highlanders comeback, denying them a losing bonus point.
It sees the hosts claim the 50th derby clash between the two sides and climb ahead of the Highlanders into seventh.
