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Cape Town - An 83rd minute drop goal from replacement Mitchell Hunt has given the Crusaders a sensational victory over the Highlanders in their New Zealand Super Rugby derby in Christchurch on Saturday.
As it happened: Crusaders v Highlanders
The Crusaders won 25-22 after they led 19-10 at half-time.
The Crusaders scored three tries by scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond, wing Seta Tamanivalu and flank Heiden Bedwell-Curtis.
Flyhalf Richie Mo'unga added two conversions while replacement Mitch Hunt landed a penalty and the match-winning extra-time drop goal.
The Highlanders replied with three tries of their own through wings Waisake Naholo (2) and Richard Buckman. Flyhalf Marty Banks added two conversions and a penalty.
The Crusaders picked up four points for their victory to remain unbeaten and on track to host the final should they progress that far.
The Highlanders left heart-broken, but did pick a single point for losing by seven or fewer points.
The Crusaders and Highlanders, who will both face the touring British & Irish Lions in the coming weeks, won't be in Super Rugby action again until Friday, July 14 when the Highlanders host the Reds in Dunedin, and Saturday, July 15 when the Crusaders and Hurricanes do battle in Wellington.
Teams:
Crusaders
15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt
Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Jed Brown, 21
Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Israel Dagg
Highlanders
15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siosuia Halanukonuka, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Matt Faddes
