SUPER 12 RESULTS Stormers 51-23 Blues Bulls 23-17 Reds Sharks 27-34 Chiefs Waratahs 49-31 Hurricanes Cats 37-39 Crusaders

The Crusaders led 36-6 in the second half only for their South African hosts to go in front five minutes from time with an Andre Pretorius drop-goal.

But with time running out, Carter, who finished with two tries and 24 points, spared Canterbury's blushes.

The Crusaders are now third in the table with just three rounds of the regular season to go.

"Missed tackles and gaps around the rucks almost cost us victory, but credit must go to the Cats for the incredible spirit they showed in the second half," said Canterbury captain Reuben Thorne.

The Cats conceded four tries and trailed 29-6 at the break, Scott Hamilton, Marika Vunibaka and Cameron McIntyre all touching down for the Crusdaers.

Carter scored his second try shortly after the reatsrt before the Cats hit back with tries from CJ Van der Linde, Gurthro Steenkamp, Juan Smith and Boela Du Plooy.

New South Wales kept alive their hopes of reaching the Super 12 play-offs with a 49-31 victory over the Hurricanes.

The Waratahs led 22-10 at half-time with tries from Chris Whitaker, Shaun Berne and David Lyons, Roy Kinikinilau replying for Wellington.

The visitors reduced the deficit to 30-24, scores from Tana Umaga and Brent Ward sandwiching a Matt Dunning try.

But the home side stretched away, with Lote Tuqiri, Cameron Shepherd and Adam Freier bringing their tally to seven.

Rodney So'oialo did grab a late fourth try to earn Wellington a bonus point in defeat, but the Hurricanes' hopes of making the top four are all but over.

Defending Super 12 champions Auckland Blues face the prospect of elimination from this year's tournament after a 51-23 defeat against the Stormers on Friday.

The South Africa side led 36-11 at half-time and never looked like losing on their way to an eight-try victory.

A miserable night for Auckland saw their woes compounded by injuries to All Black star Joe Rokocoko and Oreni Ai'i.

There was more good news for South African fans when the Bulls defeated Queensland Reds 23-17 at Ballymore.

Eddie Fredericks and Gary Botha touched down for the Bulls, with Derick Hougaard grabbing 13 points with the boot.

But the Sharks could not make it three wins out of three for South African sides as they slipped to a 34-27 defeat at home to the Waikato Chiefs.

The Sharks had a last-gasp chance to draw level but had a possible try ruled out by the video referee because he could not see if the ball had been grounded.