Lucas Casey and Ethan Blackadder. Graphic: Liam K. Swiggs
Photo: Photosport
The Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific returns with a southern derby between the Highlanders and the Crusaders, two teams coming in with very contrasting situations right now.
The home side has arguably their best player ruled out for the whole season this week in Fabian Holland, while coach Jamie Joseph may only have that title for a few more weeks, and the Highlanders came dead last in 2025.
The All Black lock suffered a shoulder injury that will keep him out of rugby till the test season.
Pumas import Tomas Lavanini has not been adjudged fit to take his place so Mitch Dunshea and Oliver Haig pair up in the second row.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders are defending champions after a remarkable comeback season last year, when they toppled the Chiefs in a tense final, following a highly entertaining Super Rugby Pacific competition.
All eyes will be on young number eight Lucas Casey after his standout NPC season last year, while the backline has Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jonah Lowe pairing up in midfield.
The depth that Rob Penney has available to him is on show in this Crusaders side, with Codie Taylor and Will Jordan set to come off the bench.
Ethan Blackadder is the most intriguing starter in the pack, can he stay injury free and regain his spot in the All Blacks? He'll have the help of a dependable crew around him, George Bell is coming off a big NPC season and test recall, while out in the backs Noah Hotham has been given the start at halfback over Kyle Preston.
The Crusaders have won four of their last five matches against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with the only blip being a 32-29 defeat in their horror 2024 season.
The Highlanders have lost their last six Super Rugby Pacific matches against New Zealand opposition teams by an average of 15.8 points per game.
The Highlanders host the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 6.05 tonight.
In other games, the Waratahs play the Reds at 8.35 tonight, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua meet Moana Pasifika at 3.35pm tomorrow followed by the Chiefs and the Blues at 6.05pm before the Force take on the Brumbies at 8.35pm.
