Highlanders edge Crusaders 25-23 in Super Rugby opener

Highlanders 25-23 Crusaders, Dunedin

The Highlanders claimed a narrow 25-23 win over the Crusaders in the opening round of the 2026 Super Rugby season at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, with a late penalty deciding a tight southern derby.

Highlanders start fast before Crusaders respond

The home side settled quicker and opened the scoring when Cam Millar kicked an early penalty. Soon after, a well-worked lineout created space for Caleb Tangitau to finish in the corner for an 8-0 lead after the missed conversion.

The Crusaders gradually grew into the contest through strong carries from Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder and the forwards. Their pressure finally paid off when Noah Hotham darted over from short range following a Sevu Reece break. Rivez Reihana converted and later added a penalty to give the visitors a 10-8 half-time advantage.

Reihana extended the lead to 13-8 early in the second half, but the Highlanders quickly hit back as Angus Ta’avao powered over from close range, with Millar converting to restore a 15-13 lead.

The hosts then produced the best move of the match. After Tavatavanawai broke the line, Nareki released Sam Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens down the flank and Jonah Lowe finished inside, stretching the margin to 22-13.

The Crusaders responded through Will Jordan, who stepped through the defence to score, and Kemara’s conversion narrowed the gap to 22-20. A later penalty edged them ahead 23-22 with under ten minutes remaining.

However, in the closing minute Millar landed a long-range 45-metre penalty to regain the lead at 25-23. The Crusaders attempted one final attack but lost possession, sealing a dramatic Highlanders victory.

Team line up:

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Reserves: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Crusaders: 15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Seb Calder, 2 George Bell, 1 Finlay Brewis.

Reserves: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Will Jordan