Super Rugby Pacific Kicks Off With Two Thrilling Season-Opening Clashes
Super Rugby Pacific Kicks Off With Two Thrilling Season-Opening Clashes
Super Rugby Pacific opens with two action-packed matches, as teams battle for a strong start to the season. Read the full report on both thrilling contests.
A hat trick from debutant Kyle Preston powered the Crusaders to a 33-25 victory over the Hurricanes in the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific at Apollo Projects Stadium on Friday.
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Preston, who moved south from Wellington last season, came off the bench early and proved the difference in a thrilling contest.
The Hurricanes, however, started the stronger of the two sides, racing to a 14-0 lead, despite playing into a stiff easterly breeze.
Hooker Jacob Devery crossed twice in the opening quarter, finishing off well-executed rolling mauls to give the visitors early control.
The Crusaders responded through Preston, who replaced an injured Noah Hotham inside the first 10 minutes.
His first try came courtesy of a slick inside ball from Will Jordan as the home side began to find their rhythm. However, the Hurricanes entered halftime with an eight-point advantage after winger Kini Naholo produced a stunning finish in the corner, extending the lead to 20-12 at the break.
The second half saw the Crusaders take control, with Jordan again at the heart of the action.
A blistering counterattack saw the fullback feed Sevu Reece, who chipped back infield for Preston to collect and score under the posts for his second try.
Momentum firmly shifted when Reece put the Crusaders ahead with 15 minutes remaining, finishing off another Jordan break. Former Wallaby James O'Connor played a key role in the build-up, highlighting his experience in his Crusaders debut.
With seven minutes to play, Preston completed his hat trick in dream fashion, darting over from close range to seal the result.
The Crusaders’ dominant second half provided the perfect start to their campaign following a disappointing 2024 season.
"It's a dream debut, to be honest," Preston said after the match. "The boys just put me in the right spots, and I was lucky to finish them off."
The Hurricanes, while showing early promise, struggled to contain the Crusaders' late surge and will look to bounce back when they host Fijian Drua in Napier next weekend. The Crusaders, meanwhile, face a stern test against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
In Sydney, the Waratahs edged the Highlanders 37-36 in a dramatic encounter sealed by Jack Bowen’s last-gasp conversion.
Sione Amone looked to have won the game for the Highlanders in the final minute, spinning over near the posts, only for the Waratahs to rally in stoppage time. Bowen held his nerve to slot the match-winning points, capping off a chaotic, back-and-forth contest.
Super Rugby Pacific’s opening night delivered two thrilling contests, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
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