The Highlanders continued their remarkable Super Rugby season after beating the Crusaders 26-18 in Nelson last night.

It was the southerners' first win over their South Island rivals since 2009, and fully deserved as Jamie Joseph's men tackled the Crusaders into submission.

The Highlanders outscored the Crusaders three tries to two, with wing James Paterson bagging a brace, while veteran Highlanders' pivot Tony Brown punished the Crusaders' ill discipline with three penalties.

In another results, the Bulls' Super Rugby title defense is hanging by a thread after suffering a 26-21 defeat to the Western Force.

The Bulls, winners of the past two titles, face an almighty task to even qualify for this year's finals, with their third straight loss leaving them with just four wins from nine games.

In other matches, the Sharks beat the Hurricanes 40 points to 24 and the Reds edge the Waratahs 19-15.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi