Slade steps up for Crusaders

Updated 8.49am: Colin Slade has led the Crusaders to their first win of the Super Rugby season.

Starting at first-five in place of the injured Dan Carter, Slade's kicked 16 points in the Crusaders' 26-20 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says Slade was great.

"He attacked the line, kicked his goal, and gave us that impetus. I thought 9 and 10 really got us on the front foot."

The Crusaders are playing down Israel Dagg's injury, with the All Blacks fullback limped off late in the first half.

Todd Blackadder says it's just a corked thigh.

"Bit of a tweak to that quad but he worked pretty well up until then. Hopefully it's not too serious."

The Highlanders have had to settle for a point, with Lima Sopoaga kicking an 81st minute penalty goal to secure a bonus point.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says it could be crucial and in recent years they wouldn't have played right to the end of matches.

There were two citings out of the match in Dunedin.

Crusaders prop Owen Franks has been cited for striking for alleged use of the forearm in the 10th minute of the match while Highlanders prop Kane Hames has also been cited for striking in the 74th minute.

Meanwhile, the Reds have put the Karmichael Hunt controversy behind them with an 18-6 win over the Force in Brisbane.