An influential All Blacks contingent with the assistance of a Wallabies veteran has inspired the Crusaders to 33-25 win over Hurricanes in their first match of the Shop n Save Super Rugby 2025 season.
Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and David Havili all fired in Christchurch to extinguish an overmatched but encouraged Hurricanes, who led for most of the contest before Aussie James O’Connor came off the bench to help decide a thrilling Kiwi derby.
Along with O’Connor’s deft touch to set up the go-ahead try, victory was sparked by two more players who were absent last year.
Wellington halfback Kyle Preston was introduced for his debut inside 10 minutes and nabbed a hat-trick, while Jordan showed just how sorely he was missed while stuck on the sidelines throughout the previous campaign.
The fullback was pivotal throughout, reading the game with the right decision whether in possession or support.
Jordan combined with the dependable Havili and an electric Reece to create a third try that will take some topping this season, as two canny kicks were matched by two incisive chases before Preston dotted down.
The replacement halfback headed south after seeing his route to the Hurricanes No 9 jersey blocked by Cam Roigard, only to outshine the All Black after Noah Hotham had limped off in the opening exchanges.
Repeated infringing saw Scott Barrett banished to the sin bin in the fourth minute and allowed the Hurricanes to seize control of a first half in which they started fast and ended with a flurry.
The home crowd had only a couple of moments to shout about as the visitors established an eight-point halftime lead.
One of those moments did, however, last 19 phases and feature a level of physicality and accuracy that suggested these Crusaders were a much different prospect to 2024.
The performance was hardly flawless – the Hurricanes exposed their defence around the edges and flourished from Crusaders turnovers.
Meanwhile, Waratahs beat Highlanders 37-36 last night.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua host Brumbies at 3.35pm at the HFC Bank Stadium today, the Blues take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm, While the Force face Moana Pasifika at 8.35 tonight.
Source: NZ Herald
