Quick Read
- The Crusaders defeated the Highlanders 33-10 in their first 2026 pre-season match in Timaru.
- The match was played before a sold-out crowd of 4,500 at Fraser Park on January 30, 2026.
- Manumaua Letiu scored two tries, and Taha Kemara returned from injury, converting all his attempts.
- Captain Ethan Blackadder and new talent like Xavier Treacy also scored tries, showcasing team depth.
- The Crusaders will face the Blues next week before the full Super Rugby Pacific season starts on February 13 against the Highlanders.
TIMARU (Azat TV) – The Crusaders rugby team launched their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a commanding 33-10 victory over the Highlanders in their first pre-season match at Fraser Park in Timaru on Friday, January 30, 2026. Playing before a sold-out crowd of 4,500, the defending champions showcased both seasoned leadership and promising new talent, setting a confident tone for the season ahead.
The match, which also served as a moment of remembrance for victims of the recent Mt Maunganui landslide, saw the Crusaders establish early dominance, quickly settling into their rhythm after the Highlanders’ kickoff. A clean early lineout provided the platform for Manumaua Letiu to score the first try of the afternoon, tucking in behind a powerful maul. Taha Kemara, returning after a nine-month layoff due to an ACL injury, successfully converted, making it 7-0.
Crusaders Establish Early Dominance in Timaru Clash
The Crusaders continued to build momentum throughout the first half. Chay Fihaki ignited the crowd with a brilliant surge, beating four defenders before Toby Bell sliced through for the team’s second try. Kemara added the extras, extending the lead to 14-0. Captain Ethan Blackadder, recovered from a thumb injury last year, then muscled his way over the line after a strong forward effort, with Kemara maintaining his perfect kicking record to push the score to 21-0.
Letiu secured his second try of the match in almost identical fashion to his first, latching onto another rolling maul in Highlanders’ territory. Kemara’s conversion brought the score to 28-0 before the Highlanders found a late surge, sending Caleb Tangitau over for their first try just before halftime, making the score 28-5 at the break.
New Talent Shines for the Crusaders
The second half saw a completely new Crusaders fifteen take the field, providing an opportunity for young players to experience the intensity of Super Rugby. Maloni Kunawave made an immediate impact with a clean break, followed by a smart kick from Louie Chapman that pushed the Crusaders deep into Highlanders’ territory. Lock Xavier Treacy powered through two defenders to score a memorable try, further demonstrating the depth of the squad. Despite Rivez Reihana’s conversion drifting wide, the Crusaders maintained a significant 33-5 advantage.
The Highlanders continued to press, and after Jack Taylor’s strong carry, a turnover allowed Jonah Lowe to link with Caleb Tangitau, who scored his second try of the match. The conversion missed, leaving the score at 33-10 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. The final quarter saw no further changes to the scoreboard, with the Crusaders defending strongly to secure their 33-10 victory.
Coaches and Captain Reflect on Crusaders’ Performance
Captain Ethan Blackadder, who was impressed with fellow loosie Oli Mathis’ versatility during his first appearance on the flank, summed up the mood after the match, stating, “One sunny day doesn’t make summer, but I’m stoked for the boys.” Head Coach Rob Penney echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction with both the team’s intent and the depth of talent on display.
Penney acknowledged the desire for evolution in the side’s game, emphasizing that each year presents a unique challenge, regardless of previous victories. He noted that the coaching group was looking for some evolution in the side’s game, but for the season overall, it is a case of starting again. Highlanders assistant coach Ben Smith also looked forward to seeing newcomers like Stanley Solomon and Tito Harris perform, and noted the strategic placement of Taine Robinson at fullback.
Crusaders’ Road to Super Rugby Pacific 2026
The Crusaders’ dominant performance in Timaru sets a high benchmark for their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The team will now head north to Auckland next week for their second pre-season fixture against the Blues. The full Super Rugby Pacific season is scheduled to commence on February 13, with the Crusaders facing the Highlanders once again, this time in Dunedin. This initial pre-season success, marked by strong offensive plays and solid defense, provides a valuable foundation as the defending champions prepare to defend their title.
The seamless integration of emerging players alongside the composed return of key figures like Taha Kemara, as seen in this pre-season opener, suggests the Crusaders are effectively managing their squad evolution while maintaining competitive strength for the rigorous 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.