Cam Millar talks being on the forefront of the Deep South's resurgence

In 30 years of Super Rugby Pacific, no player has scored more points in a single game against the Crusaders than Highlanders’ Cam Millar did on May 11, 2024.

In a 32-29 win at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, Millar scored a try, kicked six penalties and two conversions in a 27-point haul that helped the Highlanders snap a 19-game losing streak against New Zealand franchises.

Can the 23-year-old from Gore repeat those heroics in the opening game of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 at the same venue on Friday night?

“27, yeah, that was a couple of years ago now,” Millar modestly recalled to RugbyPass.

“It was one of those nights where the ball was coming off the tee, perfect. You didn’t have to think too hard about anything. It just flowed. Games like that are pretty rare.”

The Highlanders will need to think carefully to topple the defending champions at the start of the new season.

The Crusaders have won 10 of their last 11 games, their best run since March to May 2018. In contrast, the Highlanders have lost 10 of their last 11, with their only win a 43-20 result against Fijian Drua in April. The Crusaders have won 34 of their past 48 clashes with the Highlanders, who also lost 33-10 to the Crusaders in pre-season.

“There was nothing that interesting about the Crusaders in pre-season; they’re good everywhere like always,” Millar observed.

“For us, I feel we’ve come together well with a good culture and the right blend of youth and experience.

“We lost seven games by seven points or less last year. How do we bridge that gap? It comes down to working together as a unit for 80 minutes, sticking to the game plan, and not trying to do too much as individuals, especially under pressure.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

19

28

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

A case in point was a narrow 15-12 defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch on May 23, 2025.

The Highlanders missed 14 possible points in goal kicks, including a Millar miss while striving for a draw at full-time. They turned a 10-0 deficit into a 12-10 lead for 21 minutes of the second half.

Another problem for the Highlanders in 2025 was scoring tries. With 43 in 14 matches, they had the worst attacking record in the competition.

Though Millar only played five of those games, he is mindful of adding more strings to his bow.

“I’m trying to build more of a running game. I’m not naturally a player who takes it to the line. If I can do more of that, I’ll open up more space.

“We’ve got Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele?a in midfield. They’re big and strong. Timoci is an extraordinary athlete. He’s the hardest bloke I’ve ever tried to tackle. He’s raring to go after his injury.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph could depart the Highlanders shortly. The former Japan head coach is understood to be among the leading contenders to replace the sacked All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. What could Joseph provide the All Blacks?

“He’s a bit of a throwback to the old school coach. He’s very clear about what he wants from his players, and his training is intense. Sometimes you’re actually playing a couple of games a week. Maybe that harder approach would be better in the big battles of the Test arena.”

Millar is more battle-hardened after an outstanding NPC for Otago, who made the final for the first time since 2005 and holds the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 2020.

Millar was the NPC’s top scorer with 156 points. He started all 13 Otago games, playing 1029 out of a possible 1040 minutes.

“The NPC was awesome. We had a great bunch of lads who gelled right away.

“I’m one for one in Ranfurly Shield challenges. Even better, we beat Canterbury and then defended it in Liam Coltman’s 100th game against North Harbour. That was a couple of good weeks of code and celebration.”

In a record 51-17 thumping of Auckland, Millar scored 24 points, surpassing Glenn Dickson’s previous record of 22 points from Otago’s 32-22 victory at Eden Park in 2011.

New Zealand Under-20s halfback Dylan Pledger partnered with Millar for most of the NPC. The promising King’s High School product will miss the whole season because of an ACL rupture in training. World Rugby’s Most Promising Players of the Year in 2024, All Blacks lock Faibin Holland, could also miss the whole season with a shoulder injury.

“Injures. That’s been a downer. Every team gets them; others have to step up,” Millar said.

“I love playing with Dylan. We’ve got Folau Fakatava too. They’re real attacking halfbacks. Dylan is so quick and opportunistic. Folau is real physical, fast, and brings that exciting unpredictability.”

Super Rugby Pacific 30 starts on Friday night with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders from Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Kickoff is at 7:05 pm (NZST)

Most Points Against the Crusaders?

Millar’s haul of 27 points against the Crusaders in 2024 equalled the record for the most points in any game against the 15-time Super Rugby champions. In 2007, eight-capped Springbok Derick Hougaard scored all 27 points for the Bulls in a 15-point win in Pretoria. Millar’s haul for the Highlanders passed Tony Brown’s 22-point record performance against the Crusaders in a 37-29 win in Dunedin in 1997. Interestingly, Gavin Lawless, who holds the Super Rugby record for the most points in a single match with 50 for the Sharks in a 75-43 win over the Highlanders in Durban in 1997, bagged 26 points for Transvaal in a 55-23 win over the Crusaders in Johannesburg in 1996. The most points against the Crusaders by rival New Zealand clubs are.

Highlanders: Cam Millar, 27, 2024, Dunedin, Won, 32-29

Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, 20, Christchurch, 2025, Won, 35-19, Stephen Donald, 20, Christchurch, Won, 30-24

Hurricanes: Jackson Garden-Bachop, 20, Wellington, 2020, Lost, 25-39

Blues: Adrian Cashmore, 19, Pukekohe, 1997, Won, 29-28