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![Crusaders hold off Highlanders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crusaders hold off Highlanders
In another compelling Southern derby, the Crusaders held off a late charge from the Highlanders to claim their first win of the Super Rugby season.
![As it happened: Highlanders v Crusaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
As it happened: Highlanders v Crusaders
Join our live blog of the Super Rugby clash between South Island rivals the Highlanders and the Crusaders in Dunedin.
![Rugby Herald: Is Dan Carter finished?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby Herald: Is Dan Carter finished?
New Zealand Herald rugby scribes Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry discuss Dan Carters future as the five-five struggles with injury again in World Cup year.
![Crusaders wait on Carter's leg injury](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crusaders wait on Carter's leg injury
Three days on and updates about Daniel Carter's latest leg injury are fuzzy.
![Wynne Gray: Lack of sting from star teams](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wynne Gray: Lack of sting from star teams
Those inclined to provoke early season niggle will declare the Crusaders are toast, the Bulls are crisping and the Reds are burned offerings.
![Justin Marshall: NZ teams' pros and cons](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Justin Marshall: NZ teams' pros and cons
Justin Marshall, in the first of his twice-weekly columns, casts his eyes over the strengths and weaknesses of the New Zealand franchises.
![Super Rugby: Around the grounds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby: Around the grounds
With Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison visiting training this week, it's tempting to ponder how some of the Blues' best would handle a job swap.
![A slow-burn start or all fired-up?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A slow-burn start or all fired-up?
Second, losing to the Waratahs in the Sydney final. Traditionally slow burners, the Crusaders slipped uncomfortably back into a familiar pattern.
![Crusaders: Cup double clouds start to season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crusaders: Cup double clouds start to season
Super Rugby begins its 20th year tonight with maybe not even a quarter of the excitement and intrigue as it did in Palmerston North 1996.
![Richard Loe: Crusade likely in ABs' mindset](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Richard Loe: Crusade likely in ABs' mindset
There might be a few players from the Crusaders who will have extra motivation in the All Blacks' camp this week.
![Star defends wildlife shoot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Star defends wildlife shoot
All Black lock Sam Whitelock has defended himself and Crusaders teammates after images of them posing with dead big-game animals were posted online.
![Dan Carter breaks leg](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dan Carter breaks leg
Daniel Carter will not play any rugby for at least a month after breaking his leg in the Super Rugby final on Saturday.
![Star winger 'definitely the better man'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Star winger 'definitely the better man'
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has praised his Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo for walking away from racial abuse at a Christchurch bar last night.
![What now for the Crusaders?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What now for the Crusaders?
One of Todd Blackadder's first acts on his return to Christchurch after the heartbreak of the final defeat will be to ensure his side have the best players possible for next year.
![Rugby: I should have known better, McCaw](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby: I should have known better, McCaw
There will be global indifference felt towards the Waratahs' maiden title but massive satisfaction that Richie McCaw was cast as the villain in an epic final.
![Rugby: Waratahs ironman gains sweet victory](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby: Waratahs ironman gains sweet victory
An ecstatic Adam Ashley-Cooper dubbed it "100 per cent the greatest moment in my rugby career" .
![Rugby: Late Sydney loss fuel for All Black fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby: Late Sydney loss fuel for All Black fire
Evidently the Waratahs didn't hand any advantage to the Crusaders by shifting the final to Olympic Park.
![Rugby: Crusaders get warm welcome home despite last-gasp loss in final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby: Crusaders get warm welcome home despite last-gasp loss in final
The Crusaders have been given a heroes' welcome following a heartbreaking last-minute loss in the Super Rugby final in Sydney.
![Rugby: Mehrtens had a foot in Tahs' win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby: Mehrtens had a foot in Tahs' win
The irony of Crusaders legend Andrew Mehrtens playing a significant role in the downfall of his old team was not lost on Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.