Fullback Will Jordan says the Crusaders revived their Super Rugby Pacific title defence by beating the Highlanders 29-18 in Christchurch.
Flanker Johnny Lee scored two tries on debut as the Crusaders fought back from a half-time deficit on Saturday to avenge an opening-round loss to their New Zealand rivals.
It leaves both teams with two wins from five games.
All Blacks star Jordan crossed early for his 49th try in 70 Super Rugby games to put the home side in front but the Highlanders led 15-12 at the interval, helped by tries to backs Tanielu Tele’a and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Lee’s quick-fire brace midway through the second half coincided with a period of dominance from the Crusaders forwards and gave them a lead they defended stoutly for the remainder of the match.
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Jordan hailed the determination of the defending champions after a shaky start to the season, which included a 50-24 loss to the ACT Brumbies in round two.
The Crusaders played 30 minutes with 14 men following yellow cards to front-rowers Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis in the first half and to wing Chay Fihaki after the break.
They also lost David Havili to a foot injury, which is expected to sideline the captain for at least two weeks, adding to a handful of All Blacks already on their injury list.
“It was a huge game for us. I’m pleased we were able to deliver, our season was on the line,” Jordan said.
Elsewhere, the Queensland Reds scored two late tries to seal a stirring 26-17 win over the NSW Waratahs.
Victory at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday propelled them to fourth on the log with three wins from four and a game in hand on some of their rivals.
The clash was a dour affair for almost an hour before a double from Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon and another dazzling five-pointer for Isaac Henry got the Reds home.
The Reds won with just 38% possession and were forced to make 181 tackles to 104 by the Waratahs in a reflection of how deep they needed to dig.
Defeat was the second in a row for the Waratahs after their heavy 59-19 thrashing by the Hurricanes at home a week ago.
In Napier, the Hurricanes fought back to beat the Western Force 31-23.
The Hurricanes trailed 11-5 with half an hour remaining, but four unanswered tries in the space of 20 minutes put the New Zealand side in control.
The Canes notched their third win of the season and consigned the Perth-based visitors to a fourth defeat from five games.
In other results, the Brumbies suffered a first-ever loss to the Fijian Drua, beaten 42-27 in Ba, and the Blues beat Moana Pasifika 43-7 in Auckland.
Super Rugby Pacific Round 5 results
Hurricanes 31 Force 23
Fijian Drua 42 Brumbies 27
Crusaders 29 Highlanders 18
Reds 26 Waratahs 17
Blues 43 Moana Pasifika 7
– AFP
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
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Fullback Will Jordan says the Crusaders revived their Super Rugby Pacific title defence by beating the Highlanders 29-18 in Christchurch.
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