Patrick Osborne hopes for a happier outcome when the Highlanders take on the Crusaders in Dunedin on Saturday night than in the corresponding Super Rugby match last year.

The Highlanders were beaten 32-30 after Osborne was denied a try in the last play of the game when television match official Vinny Munro made what became a controversial ruling.

“It was a thriller of a game but not quite the result we wanted,” Osborne said.

“You win some [decisions], you lose some and we just have to regard that as history now.”

He knows it is crucial for the Highlanders, who had a bye in round one, to make a favourable early impression in front of their fans.

“It’s a big game,” said.

“I know most of the Crusaders very well from playing for Canterbury. It’s going to be a cracker.”

Osborne has no doubt the Crusaders will bounce back strongly after their shock loss to the Rebels last weekend.

The winger will mark Robbie Fruean, another bruising game-breaker for whom he has considerable respect.

Osborne was part of a potent Highlanders back three last year and his performances earned him a place in the All Blacks squad, although he did not get to play a match.

An ankle injury suffered in the ITM Cup meant he made a slow start to the pre-season.

“It slowed my preparation a bit but I’m all good now and raring to go,” he said.

“We just want to start. All the other teams have. The excitement is there and we can’t wait to get into it.”