The Highlanders have completed an unbeaten Super Rugby Pacific pre-season with a win over the Crusaders.
The Southern Men ran in four tries, including three in the second half, as they held on to beat their South Island rivals 29-24 at Invercargill's Rugby Park in a Waitangi Day clash on Thursday.
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The Crusaders started fast, with converted tries from prop George Bell and first-five Taha Kemara, following a Cam Millar penalty, for a 14-3 lead after 22 minutes.
The Highlanders' response from wing Jona Nareki in the 24th minute was answered by All Blacks wing Sevu Reece in the shadow of halftime, maintaining a nine-point lead at the break.
With the Highlanders wearing their away maroon kit of the hometown province Southland, two Stags - flanker Sean Withy and wing Michael Manson - crossed the try-line during their second-half comeback.
Bay of Plenty loosie Nikora Broughton scored the other try as the Highlanders piled on 19 points in 21 minutes to take a 29-19 lead. Tasman outside back Macca Springer got one back for the Crusaders in the 74th minute but the home side clung to their lead.
The Highlanders open their season in Sydney against the NSW Waratahs on Valentine's Day (kick-off 9.35pm NZ Time), while the Crusaders get the 2025 season started against the Hurricanes earlier that night in Christchurch (kick-off 7.05pm).
The Super Rugby Pacific pre-season continues for New Zealand's other franchises, with the Hurricanes hosting the Blues in Wainuiomata on Friday (kick-off 3pm) and the Chiefs facing Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).