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Marty Banks kicked a late penalty to give the Highlanders a 20-19 win in their preseason match against the Crusaders, played without a crowd in Weston yesterday.

It was a game played in tough conditions, persistent rain and a slippery surface making handling difficult.

The Highlanders adapted better early and dominated the majority of the first half.

They held the ball well, considering the conditions, and forced the Crusaders to defend for long periods in their own half.

The lineout was effective as well, Manaaki Selby-Rickit proving a reliable target in the middle.

Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava passes the ball during his side’s Super Rugby Pacific preseason match against the Crusaders at Weston, near Oamaru, yesterday. In the background is No 8 Hugh Renton. Inset: A few spectators managed to catch the action, despite that match being played behind closed doors. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

Defensively they turned ball over regularly, the Crusaders struggling to build phases as their hands let them down.

It was the pressure on attack that told, though.

Mitch Hunt kicked an early penalty to give the Highlanders the lead, before Mosese Dawai crossed for the try just on the 20 minute mark.

The new right winger showed glimpses of danger throughout the first half, notably when he ran 20m to finish well in the corner, having been put into space by fullback Sam Gilbert.

Crusaders second five-eighth Dallas McLeod responded by breaking the line and running 30m for a far too easy try.

It was the only shot the Crusaders fired the whole first half, though.

At that point both teams made a raft of changes and the Crusaders gained the upper hand.

They held the ball better and the Highlanders’ discipline faltered under the pressure.

That led to a penalty try early in the second half.

The Crusaders had hammered away at the line, and replacement first five Banks rushed up offside to snatch an intercept, denying a try in the process.

Banks was yellow carded, although Hunt was able to replace him for the 10 minutes he was off the field.

It cut the Highlanders lead to three again.

The Crusaders continued applying pressure and eventually that told.

They went close off a lineout drive which went to ground.

From there they looked blind and while Waisake Naholo dropped the initial pass, first five Simon Hickey cleaned up the loose ball and slid over in the right corner.

It left the Highlanders trailing 19-17.

They had looked unlikely to score since halftime, but a superb kick got them down the right end of the field.

From there they won a penalty, allowing Banks to kick the winning points.