Defending Super 14 champion Crusaders hope of retaining their title this season is slim after losing 6-0 to the Highlanders last night.

It was the lowest scoring game in the history of the competition since its inception in 1996.

Both sides were locked nil all at half-time. It was also their 3rd loss in a row this season which could result for them missing out a place in the play-off.

Crusaders missed the services of Captain Richie McCaw who was injured in the first half.

Also yesterday the Blues and Ali Williams endured an unhappy homecoming at Eden Park as the Sharks underlined their Super 14 rugby title credentials with a composed 35-31 win.

Beaten finalist in 2001 and 2007, the Sharks banked a second valuable win in New Zealand after a 22-15 win against the Chiefs last week.

A bloodied Springbok captain John Smit secured the 4th bonus try in the 68th minute after Joe Rokocoko lost the ball on Sharks line.

The Blues last beat the Sharks in 2005, when the Durban based franchise finished bottom of the final Super 12.

In other matches, the Hurricanes cruised to a bonus point win beating the Cheetahs 29-12.

The results left the Cheethas winless after four rounds while the Hurricanes, now with 3 wins and a loss.

Meanwhile, the Bulls held out against the Stormers 14-10 which sees the third straight loss for the Stormers.