Super Rugby's most storied rivalry prepares for its annual off-road experience
Since Super Rugby’s inception in 1996, the Crusaders and Highlanders have established one of the competition’s fiercest rivalries.
The lure of South Island supremacy has ensured every clash between the mainland neighbours is one not to be missed.
That will hold true again this Friday when the two sides etch another chapter into the history books as the Farmlands Cup goes up for grabs in Temuka, South Canterbury.
The annual contest has become a staple of both franchise’s pre-season campaigns since 2016, with Farmlands taking the two sides into rural South Island townships in an ongoing show of community support and engagement.
In years gone by, the likes of Waimumu, Darfield, Southbridge and Wanaka have set the stage for the Farmlands Cup, but this year it is Temuka’s turn to host the highly-anticipated fixture.
By holding the event at Temuka Rugby Club, Farmlands will bring some of Super Rugby’s biggest names to one of New Zealand’s most passionate rugby fanbases.
Temuka’s passion for the Farmlands Cup is reflected in the sold out crowd for Friday’s encounter, a prospect Highlanders head coach Tony Brown is looking forward to as his side prepares to square off against the reigning Super Rugby Aotearoa champions.
“I think the pre-season games are always pretty exciting,” he said.
“We had one last year in Wanaka where the field was surrounded by trucks and people sitting on temporary grandstands and things like that.
“It’s a good atmosphere, and I think it’s sold-out in Temuka as well, so it’ll be something different and unique.
“Those country grounds, I think the players enjoy that atmosphere.”
As for the Crusaders, they will be aiming to retain the Farmlands Cup after taking out last year’s clash 41-7 at Wanaka Showgrounds.
That was the third time the Crusaders had locked away the Farmlands Cup, and head coach Scott Robertson would love nothing more than to notch a fourth victory over their southern rivals in front of a home crowd.
“There is always a lot of anticipation leading into the first game of the season, and the chance to represent our wider Crusaders region in front of a full crowd at Temuka Rugby Club is really exciting for our squad,” he said.
The match isn’t solely about bragging rights, however, with Farmlands pledging over $25,000 to local charities of the Crusaders’ and Highlanders’ choice in previous years.
It also hands local legends of the South Island’s farming community the chance to see some of New Zealand’s elite players live in their own backyards.
“Our farmers and some growers often experience a quieter period through the later summer months, so what better time to take a day off farm and cheer on your favourite southern Super Rugby team,” Farmlands Shareholder Services Manager (Canterbury) Doug Maginness said.
“The Farmlands Cup is an excellent time to catch up with mates and support local businesses in the South Canterbury community.
“We are thrilled to be supporting the match as it reaches its sixth year of connecting our shareholders with the best and brightest of New Zealand rugby.”
Live coverage of the 2021 edition of the Farmlands Cup commences at 5:25pm on Friday 11 February, exclusively on Sky Sport 1, Sky Go and Sky Sport Now. If you are not already a subscriber, click here to activate your free 7 day trial.
Comments on RugbyPass
James Lowe wouldn't get in any other 6N team. He's a great example of Farrell’s brilliance, and the Irish system. He is slow. His footwork is poor. But he fits perfectly in that Irish system, and has a superb impact. But put him in another team, and he'll look bang average.
3 Go to commentsCrusaders reached their heights through recruitment of North Island players, often leaving those NI teams bereft of key players. Example: Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock robbed the Canes of their lineout and AB locks. For years the Canes have struggled at lock. This rabid recruitment was iniated by rule changes by a Crusader dominated NZR Head Office. Now this aggressive recruitment has back-fired, going after young inside back Hamilton Boys stars. They now have 4 Chiefs region 10s and not one with the requisite experience at Super level. Problems of their own making!
1 Go to commentsOver rated for a long time…exposed at scrum time too.
3 Go to comments“Firing me” should have been Gatland’s answer.
2 Go to commentsFinn Russell logic: “World” = 4 countries. Ireland may be at or near the top. FR’s bigger concern should be he and his fellow Scots (incl. the Bloemfontein ones) sliding back down to below top 10
42 Go to commentsMind games have begun. Ireland learned their lesson after saying they could beat England with 13 players or whatever. Still, if they win at Loftus, that would be impressive - final frontier etc.
58 Go to comments$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
3 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
3 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
13 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
3 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
3 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
13 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
13 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
13 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments