The Crusaders have rebounded from last week’s shock loss to overcome a disjointed Highlanders outfit 26-20 in their Super Rugby match in Dunedin.

Both teams ran in two tries, but the Highlanders looked a little rusty after sitting out the opening round with a bye, and their error rate proved telling.

The Crusaders, beaten 20-10 by the Rebels last week, played with increasing precision and pace as the first half progressed but it was the Highlanders who struck the first telling blow.

Colin Slade gave the Crusaders an early edge with a 40m penalty, but Aaron Smith struck a blow for the home team three minutes later when he burrowed across from close range for his 12th Super Rugby try.

The Highlanders, sporting a makeshift backline with Jason Emery at second-five after a late injury ruled out Shaun Treeby, couldn’t hold their lead for long.

Quick work at the breakdown built pressure on the Highlanders line, and lock Scott Barrett bulldozed across to score on debut and give the Crusaders a 10-7 lead after 25 minutes.

Slade added another penalty as the visitors took control, keeping the Highlanders scrum under pressure and dominating possession in the closing stages of the first half.

Wing Johnny McNicholl’s pace and quick feet provided the perfect finish in the closing minute of the first half, his try giving the Crusaders a commanding 20-7 lead at the break.

Another Slade penalty extended the margin after the restart, but the Highlanders finally hit back as the hour mark ticked over.

They showed some much-needed patience in working their way downfield, retaining possession and hitting the Crusaders scrum hard inside the 22.

Quick hands from replacement halfback Fumiaki Tanaka found All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa, who burst through to touch down between the posts.

The conversion, and another Lima Sopoaga penalty, narrowed the Crusaders’ lead to just six and that is how it finished.