Crusaders winger Sevu Reece has become the all-time try-scoring record holder in Super Rugby in a 15-12 nail-biting win over the Highlanders.
Reece etched himself into the Super Rugby history books in the first quarter as the hosts took a 10-0 lead, scoring his 66th try.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The Highlanders fought back and took the lead late, before the hosts re-gained their advantage late.
Replacement flyhalf Cameron Millar had the chance to send the game to extra time; however, his penalty kick faded to the left to ensure the Crusaders vault into top spot for the time being.
Reece crossed for the opening try in the 14th minute in unique circumstances, with the winger planting the ball down at the side of the ruck amid confusion.
It took the TMO's interjection for the play to be checked, which showed enough evidence after minutes of checking to award Reece the try and top spot on the Super Rugby try-scoring table ahead of TJ Perenara.
This gave the Crusaders a 10-0 lead, with the Highlanders struggling to break the hosts’ line.
Taine Robinson’s penalty hit the upright on the half-hour mark, before a clutch tackle from Macca Springer stopped Jonah Lowe and won the penalty amid protests from the visitors about playing Lowe off his feet.
Another break from the Highlanders was stopped by desperate Crusaders defence but it was a turnover of the hosts’ own that presented the chance for Lowe to cross for a late first half try.
A slip cost Robinson a penalty goal but two minutes later, the flyhalf slipped through the line as the Highlanders took a 12-10 lead at the start of the second half.
The Crusaders hunted for the winner as the visitors defended fearlessly with their season on the line.
Prop Tamaiti Williams eventually powered his way over with nine minutes left, and the Crusaders were back in front.
The Highlanders gave themselves a late chance to win the game when they forced a turnover from the Crusaders, but the hosts survived.
There was one last twist in regular time after a penalty allowed Millar the chance to send the game into Super Time.
However, the kick faded to the right and the hosts’ minor premiership hopes are still alive.
As for the Highlanders, they are out of finals contention and stay at the bottom of the ladder.
Crusaders 15 (Tries: Reece, Williams; Cons: Reihana; Pens: Reihana) def Highlanders 12 (Tries: Lowe, Robinson; Cons: Robinson)
