The unbeaten Highlanders are gaining further traction in the New Zealand conference with their third win.

In a real old arm wrestle, the Highlanders just pipped the Waratahs18-17 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

A Christian Lealiifano penalty after the fulltime hooter has seen the Brumbies rob the Cheetahs of a vital Super 15 away win in Canberra tonight.

Even experienced rugby players like Jerome Kaino feel the extra bite when they visit the Bulls' home cauldron.

The warning from Blues boss Andy Dalton was brief and explicit: "We have dug the hole so we have to get out of it."

Israel Dagg is set to change to fullback on Friday as the Crusaders look to field their strongest possible lineup...