Crusaders beat Highlanders 26-20 in Super Rugby match

Flyhalf Colin Slade kicked 16 points as the Crusaders bounced back from a first round loss to beat the Highlanders 26-20 in Super Rugby.

Slade played at fullback in the Christchurch-based Crusaders' opening round loss, reverted to his favored flyhalf role in the absence of the injured Dan Carter.

Carter and Slade may be in competition for the third flyhalf role, behind Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett, in New Zealand's team for this year's Rugby World Cup and Slade has a strong claim to that position as Carter battles injuries and declining form.

He kicked four penalties and two conversions Saturday to supplement tries by Scott Barrett and Johnny McNicholl.