The Crusaders have defied the stats for a 43-10 thumping win over the Highlanders.
The visitors made nearly 150 more tackles than the Highlanders, but dominated the scoreboard for the bonus point win.
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The Highlanders had 66% territory across the 80 minutes yet time and time again found themselves consumed by the red wall.
It was the Will Jordan show early as the fullback torched the Highlanders for the opening two tries.
The All Blacks gun sliced through the line in the ninth minute before sprinting away for the first try of the game.
Jordan made it two after putting Macca Springer into space, with the winger drawing the fullback for the easy try.
The Highlanders kept the pressure on and eventually found themselves with the numbers advantage when Codie Taylor went to the bin.
However, this failed to slow the momentum of the visitors as they kept the pressure on even down the hooker.
Taylor would return from the bin and score almost instantly for a 21-0 lead.
The lead would stay this way heading into half-time despite multiple minutes of the Highlanders pressing the Crusaders’ line.
This theme continued into the second half as the hosts had little luck breaking the Crusaders down.
After close to 65% possession, the Highlanders finally found a way over through Jonah Lowe.
This sparked the Crusaders into action as any hopes of a comeback were shut down two minutes later when Corey Kellow scored.
Chay Fihaki sealed the win with a lovely individual effort fresh off the bench with his first touch of the game.
Veveni Lasaqa got a consolation try for the hosts but the night was all about the Crusaders as Taylor’s second sealed the win.
