Crusaders debutant Johnny Lee starred with two second-half tries as the Crusaders overcame three yellow cards and their own ill-discipline to defeat Highlanders 29-18 in the 50th South Island derby.
After trailing 18-12 early in the second half, Lee turned the match by combining with Ethan Blackadder to score in the 49th minute before crossing again six minutes later to put the hosts in control.
Earlier, Will Jordan opened the scoring with a brilliant solo try, while the Highlanders responded through Tanielu Tele’a and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Despite first-half yellow cards to Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis, and another later in the contest, the Crusaders defended strongly to close out a much-needed win, although captain David Havili left the field injured in the first half.
