Rugby: Highlanders rolled by Crusaders

The Highlanders have slumped to their 12th loss of the season, with a 40-12 defeat to the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

The Crusaders always looked in control of the match and with dead-eye goalkicking from Dan Carter, kept ahead of the Highlanders.

Ma'a Nonu kept up his forgettable season for the Highlanders, getting himself sent off for a dangerous tackle about midway through the second half.

The Highlanders looked lively in patches but once again made too many errors and gave up the ball at vital times.

They had scored first through fullback Ben Smith, and Hosea Gear scored a nice try but in the end the Crusaders were far too good.

Crusaders 40 (George Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Telusa Veainu tries, Carter 4 con, 4 pen), Highlanders 12 (Ben Smith, Hosea Gear tries, Colin Slade con) Halftime: 13-7.