Crusaders withstand late Highlanders surge, Reds wear down the Force
Canterbury capture South Island derby, Stormers beat Blues and Sharks tame Lions
The Canterbury Crusaders bounced back from a shock opening-round Super Rugby loss to beat New Zealand rivals Otago Highlanders 26-20 in their South Island derby on Saturday.
Still stinging from an upset last weekend at the hands of the Melbourne Rebels, the Crusaders showed glimpses of the form that got them to the final last year.
However, the seven-time champions needed to snuff out a late surge from the Highlanders in a high-intensity game featuring two tries from each side.
It was a true southern derby. Both teams chucked plenty at it and we were happy to come away with it in the end
"It was a true southern derby. Both teams chucked plenty at it and we were happy to come away with it in the end," said Crusaders captain Matt Todd.
"In the second half we got down their end but didn't capitalise as much as we should. We knew the Highlanders would come back and they certainly did. Credit to our boys who dug deep."
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds put a disruptive week behind them to pull off their first win of the season with a grinding 18-6 victory over the Western Force in Brisbane.
The Reds, coming off a heavy loss to the ACT Brumbies and off-field dramas with high-profile recruit Karmichael Hunt, carved out a two tries to nil win over their Australian rivals.