Recap: Super Rugby Pacific: Highlanders upset Crusaders in season opening thriller
Friday, 13 February 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT
The bookies have the reigning champion Crusaders as favourites to roll into Dunedin and dispatch the Highlanders yet again.
But if there’s ever a time the Highlanders might get one over their neighbours from up the road, this could well be it.
After all, rust should be expected of the Crusaders, who will head into the match with some of their players having not taken to the field during the pre-season.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders, playing in front of what should be a packed Zoo, will fancy their chances of ambushing the red and blacks with their fast-paced and expansive game under the roof in round one.
If only they had All Blacks lock Fabian Holland, out for the season with a shoulder injury, and highly touted halfback Dylan Pledger (knee) there to help.
Regardless, the Highlanders have named an electric back line and ought to ask plenty of questions of the red and blacks.
Whether they can banish their wasteful ways and execute will be telling.
As will the impact of Crusaders’ bench, which is loaded with five All Blacks and could well finish over the top of the hosts.
TEAMS
Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Leicester Fainga’anuku, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Dom Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Seb Calder, George Bell, Finlay Brewis. Reserves: Codie Taylor, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Will Jordan.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jona Nareki, Cam Millar, Foula Fakatava, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy (co-capt), Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a.
TAB ODDS
Crusaders $1.42
Highlanders $2.80
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 48: Crusaders 34 wins, Highlander 13 wins, 1 draw
Highlanders v Crusaders in Dunedin: 22 games, Crusaders 13 wins, Highlanders 8 wins, 1 draw