Crusaders favourites in 30th Super Rugby year?
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 13
It's the 30th year of Super Rugby after numerous different versions and perhaps still with the same favourites, the Crusaders.
However, the Crusaders will be away in Dunedin against the young but improving Highlanders who have the possible next All Blacks coach in Jamie Joseph.
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Also playing away is Moana Pasifika at Lautoka against Fijian Drua with former All Black Ngani Laumape at centre.
The Blues host the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday evening with the visitors looking strong across the board.
The pick to challenge the Crusaders in 2026, the Hurricanes get the bye in week one.
SUPER RUGBY - ROUND ONE
Highlanders vs Crusaders
Friday, February 13, 7:05pm
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
HIGHLANDERS: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta'avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Bench: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a
CRUSADERS: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (c), Leicester Fainga'anuku, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Dom Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Seb Calder, George Bell, Finlay Brewis. Bench: Codie Taylor, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Will Jordan
Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika
Saturday, February 14, 4:35pm
Churchill Park, Lautoka
MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Chris Apoua, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Bench: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Denzel Samoa, Glen Vaihu
Blues vs Chiefs
Saturday, February 14, 7:05pm
Eden Park, Auckland
BLUES: Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i (c), Torian Barnes, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Joshua Fusitu'a. Bench: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Codemeru Vai
CHIEFS: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Bosher, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Jared Proffit. Bench: Tyrone Thompson, Benet Kumeroa, Reuben O'Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Kyle Brown
Also this weekend:
NSW Waratahs vs Queensland Reds
Friday, February 13, 9:35pm
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
Saturday, February 14, 9:35pm
HBF Park, Perth
Hurricanes, bye
