Millar's Late Penalty Hands Highlanders Thriller

Highlanders drip-feed Crusaders in 25-23 win

Highlanders beat Crusaders 25-23 with Cameron Millar's late 50m penalty. Jamie Joseph's Highlanders start Super Rugby season with win over champions.

Angus Ta'avao scored on debut, regaining the lead for Highlanders 5 minutes into the second half.

Cameron Millar, aka 'King Cam', nailed a 50m penalty goal with just 2 minutes left, securing a thrilling 25-23 win for the Otago Highlanders against the reigning Super Rugby champions, Canterbury Crusaders. This win is a great boost for Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who's in the running for the All Blacks head coach position.

The match was a nail-biter, with the Highlanders coming from behind to take the lead. Millar's penalty goal was the decisive moment, capping off a great team effort. The Highlanders had taken an early lead through Caleb Tangitau's try, but the Crusaders fought back with tries from Noah Hotham and Will Jorda

Joseph is frontrunner for the All Blacks coaching job, alongside another contender. He's got his work cut out fixing Highlanders' issues like a shaky lineout and dodgy kicking, but he's vowed to bring attacking rugby.

Highlanders got off to a flyer, scoring through a Millar penalty after just two minutes.

The Crusaders had an early game advantage, winning the ball bac twice from Highlanders' lineout errors and securing a scrum win against the feed. However, despite their set-piece struggles, Highlanders' Caleb Tangitau took the lead in the 15th minute with the season's first try, outpacing two defenders on the right flank to score from 30 meters out.

Crusaders turned things around five minutes later, with Noah Hotham scoring a try down the right touchline. They took the lead just before half-time via a Rivez Reihana penalty, leading 10-8 at the break.

Angus Ta'avao scored on debut, regaining the lead for Highlanders 5 minutes into the second half. Prop Ta'avao, who came off the bench at half-time, scored next to the posts. Highlanders added a third try through Jonah Lowe, sparked by Timoci Tavatavanawai's break from deep.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney brought in big guns Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, and Will Jordan from the bench. Jordan got on the scoresheet 10 minutes later, scoring after a slick set play to cut the deficit with 19 minutes left.

Crusaders retook the lead via Taha Kemara's penalty with 8 minutes left, but 'King Cam' Millar responded with a 50m penalty goal to seal a dramatic Highlanders win.