The Crusaders secured their first victory of the 2015 Super Rugby season when they beat the Highlanders 23 - 20 last night.

The victory is the Crusaders sixth straight win against the Highlanders who had a bye last week.

Both teams scored two tries each and the difference came down to two penalties kicked by Colin Slade for the Crusaders.

Still stinging from an upset last week at the hands of the Rebels, the Crusaders showed glimpses of the form that got them to the final last year.

In other match results, Stormers beat the Blues 27-16, Reds defeated the Western Force 18-6 while the Sharks recovered from an opening round loss by beating the Lions 29-12.

The Hurricanes and the Stormers now top the table with 8 points each while the Brumbies trail in third place with 6 points.