The unbeaten Highlanders are gaining further traction in the New Zealand conference with their third win.

In a real old arm wrestle, the Highlanders just pipped the Waratahs18-17 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

A Christian Lealiifano penalty after the fulltime hooter has seen the Brumbies rob the Cheetahs of a vital Super 15 away win in Canberra tonight.

The Chiefs' dominance upfront laid the platform for their second win of the Super Rugby season after defeating the Crusaders 24-19.