A superb defensive effort has seen the Highlanders upset the Crusaders 26-18 in their Super Rugby clash at Nelson's Trafalgar Park.
The Crusaders had crushed the Highlanders by almost 30 points five weeks ago, winning 44-13 and were expected to comfortably account for their southern neighbours as both sides rotated their squads to rest some front-line players.
Zac Guildford opened the try-scoring for the Crusaders then the Highlanders dragged themselves back into the game with tries to wingers Siale Piutau and James Paterson as the visitors went into the break with a surprise 15-13 lead.
Paterson grabbed his second try of the match straight after the kickoff before the Crusaders centre Adam Whitlock scooped up the ball and sprinted 50 metres for a try.
Matt Berquist missed the sideline conversion that would have levelled the score at 20-20 and Tony Brown then slotted two penalties in quick succession to give the Highlanders a 26-18 lead with 15 minutes remaining and they then spent the rest of the time defending their advantage.
