Both teams coming off good wins in round one and desperate to keep the good start going with another win.
Between the mid 2000s and the last two or three years, you would have always put your money on the Crusaders, even if you were wearing a Highlanders top. But not anymore. The Highlanders in recent years have restored the faith and are playing like the Highlanders of old.
The men in blue dominated the first half out scoring the Crusaders 20 -10. Though not before the visitors put on an incredible back-line move from a set piece to put Izzy Dagg in for the first try of the night. Fruen received a ball, turned his back on the defensive line, popped a pass to Matt Todd who strolled through the line, leaving the Highlanders scratching their heads. Todd offloaded to a much faster Izzy Dagg for the easiest of tries.
The Highlanders then hit straight back through another All Black, but one who plies his trade in the front row. Andrew Hore managed to get his first "meat pie" of the season after stumbling his way over the line. A try right on the stroke of halftime to Phil Burleigh after another long period on attack capped a great first 40 for the home team.
The Crusaders, not a team to give up easily, came back from the break a lot more fired up than when they went into the sheds. A couple of penalties and a quick Andy Ellis try saw the momentum change and the men from Christchurch go up 21 -20.
Momentum soon shifted back in the favour of Otago as Hosea Gear kept the Highlanders in it with his first try in the blue and gold after some superb work from the big men up front. Sopoaga capped off a great game with a conversion from the sideline giving the Highlanders the win 27-24.
It was a great mix of smash and bash from the forwards lead by John Hardie, Andrew Hore and the ever great Adam Thompson and some great attacking flair from the backs.
The back-line was run nicely by Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga, the former keeping Jimmy Cowan on the bench for the full 80.
Speaking of the full 80, there was a lot of drama near the end of it. Not long after Hosea Gear's last try young fly half Tyler Bleyendaal lined up a penalty from about 55m out and missed by no less than a metre under the crossbar to tie the game. The Highlanders then managed to reclaim the ball from a Canterbury error, and with time up on the Forsyth Barr Stadium clock, with what seemed like his first and last touch, Colin Slade banged the ball into touch and the Highlanders began to celebrate. Little did they know they had just gifted the Crusaders an attacking opportunity 30m out.
An error from the Crusaders followed, as well as another premature celebration by the home side. But with Lady Luck on their side, the Highlanders were eventually able to raise their arms in the air and claim four points and a nice little perch atop the Super Rugby table much to the delight of the 'Animals' in the 'Zoo'.
The way Adam Thompson is leading the forward pack is amazing, and it is hard not to get excited when looking at the back-line that is full of pace and natural ability. If the Highlanders can continue to play the way they are over the long Super Season (I may have to copyright that!) then I can not see any reason why they will not feature in the play-offs.
Another great game to watch, and at times very nerve-racking. I am thoroughly looking forward to being able to see the boys play live up here in Wellington in two weeks' time. I will be one of a couple in our own 'Zoo' that night!
So I will leave it there for this week, as I have become a very hungry man whilst watching the game and writing this report!
Karl Tily - I love and live for sport. Thoughout the course of a year I would be registered or take part in no less than 8 different codes of sport. I, and I am sure a lot of my mates, would consider me to be a very competitive person.
Born in Dunedin I lived there for the first 13 years of my life. I followed the Highlanders and the Otago rugby team religiously and would attend almost every home game with the folks. I am currently living in Wellington, but still consider Dunedin 'home'. I even have the Otago 'O' tattooed on my right shoulder as a part of where I am from!
I still follow the Highlanders quite strongly and always enjoy the games vs the Hurricanes at the stadium. It gives me a good opportunity to dish out some 'stick' to mates. Especially the last couple of years!