Crusaders start title defence with dramatic defeat to Highlanders

The Crusaders have started their Super Rugby Pacific title defence with a tense 25-23 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin, in an all-time classic South Island in the opening round of the new campaign.

With injured All Blacks lock Fabian Holland watching on from the stands, the Highlanders made their way out onto the field at Forsyth Barr Stadium, hoping to make a bit of a statement against the defending champions from slightly further north.

Highlanders first five-eighth Cam Millar got the 2026 season underway with a well-placed kick-off, which would’ve landed just outside of the Crusaders’ 22, with Christian Lio-Willie rising highest in an attempt to reel in possession.

But it ended up being an unfortunate start to the season for the defending champions, with Lio-Willie knocking the ball on. That ended up setting the tone for the opening 40 minutes, with both teams struggling to capture the match’s momentum during an error-riddled half.

The Highlanders ended up striking first on the scoreboard through Millar, who knocked over a penalty attempt from close range in the third minute. Fans in Dunners dared to dream of a South Island derby upset, only to be given another reason to cheer shortly after.

Caleb Tangitau flew down the right edge to score the first try of the season, with fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens putting the winger in space. Tangitau got the ball about 30 meters out from the try line, and had too much pace for Chay Fihaki and Rivez Reihana covering in defence.

It was a two-score game inside the first 15 minutes, but the Crusaders didn’t looked panicked or rushed as they searched for much-needed points. Noah Hotham hit back for the Crusaders midway through the half.

Sevu Reece pounded on a loose ball, turning defnece into attack in an instant. Super Rugby’s all-time top try-scorer linked up with Ethan Blackadder, who was brought to ground, which ultimately set up Hotham’s individual magic.

Hotham looked up from the base of the ruck and noticed no Highlanders defenders were lining up along the short side. Once the halfback pinned the ears with try line in sight, there was never any doubt that the Crusaders were back in the contest.

The Highlanders dominated the territory battle with 71 per cent in the first 30 minutes, but the Crusaders had a slight advantage (52 per cent) in possession. In a match which started with a knock-on, errors stopped both teams from piling the points on.

Reihana gave the Crusaders a two-point lead leading into half-time, their first advantage on the scoreboard in the match. The Highlanders were pinged for offside with less than one minute remaining, with the Crusaders first-five making the most of that infringement.

It didn’t take the Highlanders long to take the lead back, with experienced Super Rugby prop Angus Ta’avao crossing in the 44^th minute. Hotham came across in defence but was never going to stop the front-runner, who noticed a gap about five metres out from the try line.

Millar added the extras, and the Highlanders didn’t stop there. Jona Narkei and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens combined, before the fullback got a try-assist offload off to Jonah Lowe, who touched down with a little over 30 to play.

The Highlanders regained their nine-point advantage, but there was something inevitable about the Crusaders, who welcomed an All-Star cast including Will Jordan off the bench. Those who still started Jordan in their Super Rugby Fantasy teams would’ve liked what they saw from the No. 23.

Reece had some space out wide but Jordan chose to go himself, beating a couple of tackle attempts from Highlanders players. Taha Kemara added the extras, reducing the deficit to just two with less than 20 to play.

Kemara was again accurate off the goal-kicking tee, remaining cool under pressure with a penalty attempt in the 71^st minute. The Crusaders led by one, but Millar snatched the lead back for the ‘Landers with a 48-metre effort in the dying stages.

While the Crusaders had possession in the final play of the match, another error brought an end to the contest. The Highlanders hanging on for an opening-round win over the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions.