Feast of tries in Super 12 prelim

The Highlanders piled on 24 straight points in the second half to beat the Crusaders 43-38 in a pre-season Super 12 match in Christchurch tonight.

In sweltering temperatures before a crowd of 9000 at Alpine Energy Stadium, the Highlanders scored seven tries to six in a free-flowing festival-style game.

Both sides made more than a dozen substitutions, with the Crusaders bringing on All Blacks Richie McCaw, Chris Jack and Greg Somerville for the final quarter.

The teams traded blows evenly in the first half before the Highlanders cranked into gear.

The star of the show was Crusader-turned-Highlander, fullback Ben Blair, who cut the defence to ribbons.

No 8 Paul Miller also had a fine game for the Highlanders, while halfback Jimmy Cowan played superbly and directed a punchy backline.

Andrew Mehrtens had his moments for the Crusaders, fullback Scott Hamilton crossed for two nice tries and Sam Broomhall was sound at No 8.

Highlanders 43 (Jimmy Cowan, Anthony Tuitavake, Ryan Glover, Ben Blair, Grant Webb, Cameron McIntyre, Nick Evans tries; Blair 2 con, Evans 2 con)

Crusaders 38 (Scott Hamilton 2, Tony Koonwaiyou, Caleb Ralph, Sam Broomhall, Lucky Nulipola tries; Daniel Carter 3 con, Andrew Mehrtens con).

Halftime: Crusaders 24-19.

- NZPA