The Highlanders will be delighted to finish their pre-season unbeaten, heading into Round One full of confidence as they prepare to take on the Waratahs in Sydney. Meanwhile, the Crusaders, who finish their pre-season winless, will look to bounce back quickly ahead of their opening clash with the Hurricanes in Christchurch. For now, that rounds things off in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe.

The Crusaders threw everything at the Highlanders in search of a last-gasp winner, but the home side held firm to see out a well-earned victory. Cam Millar controlled proceedings well at first-five, while Mitch Dunshea was a workhorse in the Highlanders forward pack. For the Crusaders, Springer provided a real spark off the bench, and Xavier Saifoloi made an impact with his physicality and strong running game. Caleb Tangitau and Timoci Tavatavanawai were strong for the 'Landers, constantly asking questions of the Crusaders' defence, while Veveni Lasaqa was a standout on the openside flank. Taha Kemara pulled the strings nicely at first-five for the visitors, and Chay Fihaki looked dangerous with ball in hand.

The Crusaders were their own worst enemies at times, with a chaotic passage of play seeing Michael Manson toe a loose pass ahead and win the race to score in the right corner in the 65th minute. The Highlanders were forced to defend bravely at the death as the Crusaders pushed for a late strike, with the visitors finding a way through in the 76th minute when Springer's clever chip-and-chase try gave them a glimmer of hope. It was too little too late, though, with the Highlanders holding on to secure the win in front of a delighted Invercargill crowd. Although the 'Landers will be stoked with the result, their lineout became very shaky in the second half and will need some attending to heading into Round One.

The second half saw the Highlanders come out firing, immediately putting the Crusaders on the back foot. Taniela Tele'a sparked an electric counterattack down the right wing before Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sean Withy combined brilliantly for Withy to finish in the corner. Caleb Tangitau then provided a moment of magic, taking a quick tap and breaking into the 22 before linking with Nareki, whose offload put Nikora Broughton over in the left corner. The Highlanders put themselves in full control, playing with confidence and punishing the Crusaders' defensive lapses.

The Highlanders claim a thrilling 5-point victory over the Crusaders at Rugby Park in Invercargill, capping off their pre-season campaign in style. The first half was a cracking contest, with both sides playing high-tempo rugby, much to the delight of the local crowd. The Highlanders opened the scoring through a Cameron Millar penalty, but the Crusaders responded with two well-executed tries. George Bell finished off a clever lineout move before Taha Kemara sliced through with a brilliant individual effort. The Highlanders hit back through Jona Nareki, who powered over from close range, but just before half-time, Sevu Reece extended the Crusaders' lead with a well-worked try, giving them a 9-point advantage at the break.

Quick tap for the Crusaders before Preston kicks to halfway. Manson counters back down the right as the forwards look to wind time off the clock. One-off runners now as Holland and Broughton carry around the halfway mark. Slow ball for Hastie but it's there for the 'Landers. Time is up and Robinson boots it into the terraces, with the referee blowing full-time.

Solid scrum for the 'Landers, but Hurley's pass is a shocker, beating Manson into touch on the Crusaders 22. Moananu throws for Jack and it's won cleanly. Fihaki carries in centre field, with Withy penalised for losing his feet at the ruck.

The Highlanders send the restart deep, where it falls for Kellow inside the 22. Kellow carries back, with the ball then sent right for Fihaki to attack. His offload is loose and Lee cannot hang on, knocking on for a Highlanders scrum feed 20m from the try line.

O'Connor drags his kick wide left from the left sideline.