The Highlanders put the financial woes of the Otago rugby union to one side with a superb 27-24 win over the Crusaders in their Super Rugby match in Dunedin on Saturday.
It was the Highlanders’ second win from as many matches after their narrow first-up victory over the Chiefs last week, but they had to withstand a swarming Crusaders’ second-half comeback.
The victory came after news this week that the 131-year-old Otago union cannot pay debts of $2.35 million and will apply to the High Court to put itself into liquidation unless a last-gasp rescue package is found.
Trailing 10-20 at halftime, the Crusaders piled on 14 unanswered points and led 24-20 with 15 minutes remaining. But the Highlanders fought back, reclaiming the lead back through Hosea Gear’s try in the 69th minute and held on under pressure for the win.
The first try of the match showed the Crusaders at their well-drilled best, Israel Dagg crossing after a set play from the lineout which saw Matt Todd burst upfield with superb support play from Robbie Freuan.
But the Highlanders replied almost immediately, as the game continued at a frenetic pace. Former Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore crashed over after the Highlanders’ work up front was backed up with some incisive running from halfback Aaron Smith.
Phil Burleigh’s try right on the stroke of halftime gave the Highlanders a 20-10 halftime lead, but the Crusaders’ ability to absorb pressure and force mistakes saw them retake the lead 14 minutes after the restart.
Three Bleyendaal penalties were capped off by a well-taken try to halfback Andy Ellis after a lightning Crusaders counter-attack while the Highlanders were hot on attack.
Zac Guildford’s return to Super Rugby after a four-week ban for drunken behaviour in Rarotonga last year was quiet, but he looked dangerous down the left, and his quick hands featured in Ellis’ try.
The Crusaders’ win look assured until the Highlanders’ patience in building pressure through the phases coupled with excellent support play saw Gear over for the match-winning try.