Their hopes of beating the Crusaders twice for the primary time in a season had been dashed as the house aspect held on for a 29-18 win.
The Highlanders performed loads of rugby however had been hamstrung by their persistent points at lineout time and an incapability to capitalise after they had an additional man on the sphere.
The Crusaders had three gamers despatched to the sin bin however stored discovering methods to slither out of hassle.
Many can be reluctant to throw too many barbs on the Highlanders, given the Crusaders — even in common type — had been heat favourites at house.
However this was actually a golden alternative wasted, and scoring simply three factors within the ultimate 44 minutes of the sport was not notably spectacular.
The story of the primary half for the Highlanders might be damaged down into three elements.
There was the acquainted story of the horrible lineout — and whereas Jack Taylor provides rather a lot across the subject, there have to be rising concern over the younger hooker’s throwing.
That was adopted by a few yellow playing cards — each conceded by the Crusaders, fortuitously.
And, lastly, there was the thrill generated just about each time Timoci Tavatavanawai and Caleb Tangitau touched the ball.
Reinstated fullback Will Jordan gave the Crusaders an early lead with a basic gliding run by which he went round or by means of 5 defenders.
However a lot of the remainder of the primary half belonged to the Highlanders, they usually had been in all probability aggravated to steer by simply three factors on the finish of it.
They definitely butchered a golden alternative when Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor was binned for a cynical foul, they usually couldn’t management the 5m lineout that adopted.
Fortunately, the scrum was working rather a lot higher, and a strong shove on a Crusaders feed led to a penalty and the Highlanders’ first strive.
Tavatavanawai fired a pleasant move lengthy to Tangitau, who skipped 35m downfield and popped inside to Tanielu Tele’a for the rating.
The Highlanders’ second strive was a deal with.
Veteran prop Angus Ta’avao confirmed a very good flip of tempo when put into a spot and he timed his move properly for Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens to scamper to the road.
The 12-5 lead final just some minutes, nevertheless, as Fletcher Newell blasted below the posts for his first strive since 2022.
Cameron Millar restored the lead with a penalty and the Highlanders completed the half strongly with two late alternatives for Tangitau.
The Crusaders discovered themselves a person down once more when prop Finlay Brewis clumsily cleared out Highlanders debutant Tomas Lavanini at a ruck.
Tavatavanawai began the second half by bouncing off half a dozen tacklers and Millar added one other penalty, however the Crusaders took the lead when Johnny Lee marked his debut with a strive off a lineout transfer.
Lee shortly bought a second from a lineout transfer — a reminder to the Highlanders that the set piece is simply too vital to get flawed — and the momentum had swung wildly.
There have been nonetheless 23 minutes left, nevertheless, and a possible twist got here when Crusaders winger Chay Fihaki put his shoulder into Millar’s head.
The Highlanders had a person benefit for a 3rd time — it appeared an apparent pink card however in some way remained solely yellow — and naturally instantly wasted it with a poor lineout.
Trailing by eight with quarter-hour to play, they wanted to remain calm, use that man benefit and make it a one-score recreation.
As a substitute, the Crusaders appeared to ice it when that man Jordan discovered some area and fed substitute ahead Xavier Saifoloi for an obvious strive, however there was a let-off for the Highlanders when the TMO dominated Saifoloi had obstructed Lucas Casey earlier within the part.
Rivez Reihana nonetheless bought to increase the result in 11 with a penalty.
The Highlanders fought exhausting within the ultimate minutes. They at all times do.
Hope flickered after they launched waves of assault however they may not discover the strive that may have at the very least grabbed a bonus level.
The Highlanders host the Hurricanes on Friday evening.
Tremendous Rugby
The scores
Crusaders 29
Johnny Lee 2, Will Jordan, Fletcher Newell tries; Rivez Reihana 3 con, pen
Highlanders 18
Tanielu Tele’a, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens tries; Cameron Millar con, 2 pen
Halftime: Highlanders 15-12.
