Blackadder - "There's No Point Being Pissed Off"

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is brimming with pride, while his counterpart Todd Blackadder, of the Crusaders, is trying to make the best of a bad situation.

The defending Super Rugby champions have backed up their road win over the Chiefs by recording a 34-26 bonus point victory over the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The Highlanders led 20-12 at halftime despite being under enormous pressure in the opening 20 minutes and Joseph says lesser sides would have crumbled.

"But once we were able to absorb that pressure, it didn't actually dent our confidence - it actually made our resolve stronger. So, that was a really pleasing point of the game and I'm really proud of the fellas."

The Crusaders had two tries disallowed in the first-half, one of which Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has labelled debatable.

But Blackadder says it is what it is.

"Being worried about it or pissed off about it is not going to change the result. We just have to get on with it really."

Blackadder believes their loss to the Highlanders is the kick up the backside they need.

After eight straight wins, the Crusaders have been beaten 34-26 by the defending Super Rugby champions in Dunedin, outscored five tries to two.

Blackadder said it's not a season-defining result and they'll be better for it.

"So, we'll be better prepared. You know, we probably haven't played with the intensity in the last couple of weeks that we got tonight. So, it was really good. It will serve us well."

The Highlanders have joined the Crusaders and Chiefs at the top of the New Zealand conference.

The Brumbies have extended their Australian conference lead with a 30-22 win over the Rebels in Melbourne.

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