Crusaders edge Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific opener

Crusaders 33-25 Hurricanes, Christchurch

The Super Rugby Pacific season commenced with a thrilling encounter as the Crusaders mounted a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat the Hurricanes 33-25 at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Despite the Hurricanes' early dominance, the Crusaders showcased resilience and strategic prowess, highlighted by debutant Kyle Preston's impressive hat-trick.

The Hurricanes began with high intensity, asserting control in the opening minutes. In the 5th minute, hooker Jacob Devery capitalized on a rolling maul to score, giving the visitors an early lead. Shortly after, in the 12th minute, Devery replicated his effort, extending the advantage to 14-0.

The Crusaders faced additional challenges when captain Scott Barrett received a yellow card in the 6th minute for repeated infringements, reducing the team to 14 men temporarily. Despite this, they managed to respond in the 19th minute.

Winger Sevu Reece executed a strategic chip kick, which fullback Will Jordan collected before offloading to Fergus Burke, who crossed the try line to narrow the gap to 14-7.

The Hurricanes maintained their offensive pressure, and in the 28th minute, winger Kini Naholo finished a well-coordinated backline move, increasing the lead to 20-7. However, just before halftime, the Crusaders' debutant scrum-half, Kyle Preston, showcased his agility by diving over the line in the 36th minute, bringing the score to 20-12 at the break.

Preston Sparks Crusaders' Comeback
The second half witnessed a momentum shift as the Crusaders emerged with renewed determination. In the 46th minute, Preston seized an opportunity from a Hurricanes handling error, scoring his second try and reducing the deficit to 20-19.

The Hurricanes briefly extended their lead with a penalty in the 51st minute, making it 23-19. Nonetheless, the Crusaders' cohesion became evident. In the 57th minute, Will Jordan broke through the defensive line, setting up Sevu Reece for a pivotal try that granted the Crusaders their first lead at 26-23.

Preston completed his memorable debut by securing his third try in the 65th minute, following a well-timed pass from James O’Connor. This effort extended the Crusaders' lead to 33-23. A late penalty by the Hurricanes in the 74th minute adjusted the final score to 33-25, but the Crusaders' defense remained steadfast in the closing moments.

Team Line-ups

Crusaders: Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan.

Reserves: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Samuel Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod.

Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (Co-Captain), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co-Captain), Brayden Iose, Cameron Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin.

Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai.