The Highlanders will host the Crusaders at Rugby Park, Invercargill as both prepare for the kick-off of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

The stage is set for a thrilling Super Rugby showdown this Waitangi Day as the Highlanders face off against the Crusaders at Rugby Park in Invercargill (2.30pm, Thursday 6th February). The match promises to be a celebration of top-tier rugby, showcasing the fierce Southern rivals with both teams looking to set up their season with a solid hit-out prior to their respective first round encounters.

 

As New Zealand comes together to commemorate Waitangi Day, Southern rugby fans are in for a rugby treat as the Highlanders welcome the mighty Crusaders to Rugby Park Invercargill.  Both teams have a rich history in New Zealand rugby, and with the rivalry between them heating up year after year, fans can expect nothing less than a high-intensity match.

 

The Highlanders will be in the city on from the Wednesday doing a number of schools visits and attending a luncheon supported by Bayleys Real Estate. Tickets for the event are selling well and can be purchased online from Ticketek.co.nz.

 

The Highlanders have announced a strong side to meet their arch rivals with All Black, Ethan de Groot, getting a starting spot in a strong looking forward pack. Hugh Renton will co-captain the side from number eight while his co-skipper Timoci Tavatavanawai will start in the midfield rather than his usual wing spot. As this is the last warm up match the Highlanders are expecting a strong Crusaders lineup including many of their All Blacks.

 

“We’re incredibly excited to round out our preseason with such an exciting encounter on Waitangi Day,” said Highlanders Head Coach, Jamie Joseph. “Playing against the Crusaders is always a massive challenge, but it’s one our players are ready for. We know the fans in Invercargill will create an electric atmosphere, and we’re looking forward to delivering a great performance.”

Highlanders XV

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Mau
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitchell Dunshea
6. TK Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Hugh Renton (CC)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Sam Gilbert
 

Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, JoshTengblad, Lui Naeata, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jake Te Hiwi, Michael Manson, Finn Hurley.

For the Crusaders their All Blacks are back, and captain David Havili will make his first appearance of the 2025 season.

 

“I can’t wait to lead the team out on Thursday. I had itchy feet sitting on the sideline in Kirwee last week, so I’m excited to get into it,” Havili says.

 

Another exciting return is Will Jordan at fullback.

 

“It’s so good to be back. After missing the whole 2024 season, it’s unreal to be putting on the red and black again,” Jordan says.

 

“I’m looking forward to heading down south for a good old southern derby.”


Dallas McLeod will support David Havili in the centre, while the dynamic duo of Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara will remain at 9 and 10 respectively.

 

Sevu Reece also makes his return on the wing while Chay Fihaki will remain at right wing to complete the backline.

 

After captaining the side last week, Ethan Blackadder will again start at openside flanker with Cullen Grace at blindside.

 

There is a change up in the forwards with Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell getting their first start of the season – along with George Bell starting at hooker. 

 

Antonio Shalfoon and Tahlor Cahill are paired at lock while Christian Lio-Willie is in at number 8.

 

The game format is two 40-minute halves and rolling subs – allowing the 14 reserves plenty of opportunities to get a run against their southern counterparts.

Crusaders XV

1. Tamaiti Williams
2. George Bell
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Tahlor Cahill
5. Antonio Shalfoon
6. Cullen Grance
7. Ethan Blackadder
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Taha Kemara
11. Sevu Reece
12. David Havilii
13. Dallas McLeod
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Will Jordan 

Reserves: George Bower, Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Liam Jack, Hunter Morrison, Xavier Saifoloi, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Macca Springer, Toby Bell, Levi Aumua, Maloni Kunawave.