Caleb Tangitau scores a try during the Super Rugby Pacific - Highlanders v Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
Jamie Joseph may well have a new job next by weekend, but he can enjoy a brilliant start to his unfancied Highlanders side's season for now. They scored a thoroughly deserved 25-23 win over the defending champion Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, first five Cam Millar ice cold when he knocked over a 50m penalty goal in the 78th minute.
It was sweet redemption for Millar, who missed a similar shot the last time these sides met that would've sent the game to extra time. He wasn't alone in his heroics, with the entire Highlanders squad playing their part in an outstanding defensive effort.
The first half featured some big plays from the home side, who effected crucial turnovers through Jack Taylor, Lucas Casey and Timoci Tavatavanawai to snuff out some excellent Crusaders' chances close to the tryline.
Down the other end, the one real chance the Highlanders had was taken when Caleb Tangitau showed his pace to burn around two defenders, after a messy move in midfield saw space open up out wide.
The Crusaders' only first half try came off a fair bit of luck, after Millar spilled the ball only for it to fall for Sevu Reece. One good pass and a quick ruck later Noah Hotham saw an empty blindside to scoot away and score in the corner.
A Rivez Reihana penalty goal on the stroke of halftime gave the Crusaders the lead, but that only lasted a few minutes after the break when the Highlanders scored back to back tries. Angus Ta'avao first found himself far too much space after a Jonah Lowe break, then Lowe got in on the act himself when he finished off a sweeping move from inside their own half.
The Crusaders hit back with a try to Will Jordan after Rob Penney elected to make six substitutions at once, but even the injections of key All Blacks couldn't crack the resolute Highlanders defence again.
The defending champs had to settle for a Taha Kemara penalty to edge out in front, which only set up Millar's big kick at the end to give the Highlanders a morale-boosting win. They came in with a cloud over Joseph's future, plus the loss of All Black lock Fabian Holland for the season. It will still be an uphill battle for the traditional strugglers, but they certainly showed what they're capable of when in the mood.
It won't get any easier next weekend, when the Highlanders host the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be licking their wounds before a meeting with the Brumbies in Christchurch.
Read how the game unfolded here:
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