Highlanders vs Crusaders Tips & Preview - Super Rugby opener to be a close contest

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: Thu 12 Feb 2026 19:46

Ralph Staniforth 12 Feb 2026

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Highlanders face Crusaders in Super Rugby opener.
Crusaders are defending champions; Highlanders aim to cover +7.5 handicap.
Highlanders face challenges but remain optimistic with Ben Smith as coach.

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Highlanders can run Crusaders close (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Crusaders Preview

The Highlanders made a bright start to the 2025 season before tailing off. They should be competitive at home and stay within the +7.5 handicap.

Highlanders have lost 10 of their last 11 Super Rugby matches.
Crusaders are the defending Super Rugby champions.
Crusaders have won 5 of their last 6 matches against the Highlanders.
Crusaders have won their last 6 matches against the Highlanders at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Head to Head

The Crusaders have won three of their last four matches against the Highlanders. Last season, the Crusaders managed to scrape a 15-12 victory.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders made a bright start to their 2025 Super Rugby campaign but dropped off after the first few rounds. They could only manage to win one of their final 11 matches last season. season.

The Dunedin-based outfit has a poor record against the Crusaders as well, particularly at home where they’ve lost their last six. While energy will be high in the opening round, this is a tough first fixture, despite being at home, for the Highlanders.

Crusaders Form

The Crusaders come into the 2026 Super Rugby campaign as the defending champions and are once again among the favourites (behind the Chiefs) to win it again this year.

Last season, the Crusaders finished second behind the Chiefs but because the Chiefs lost their first playoff fixture, they were forced to play the final away from home. The Crusaders won the match 16-12.

Highlanders vs Crusaders Team News & Quotes

Ben Smith, former All Black and Highlanders legend, now assistant coach, has been hopeful ahead of the season opener.

"Getting everyone on the same page on game day will be crucial. The team had a strong pre-season, and the players understand what’s required when facing a champion side like the Crusaders.

"The squad is well aware of the standards set in camp and is eager to deliver when it matters. It’s encouraging to have a good mix of new talent and experienced players, while also acknowledging the quality the Crusaders bring."

There has been a setback for the Highlanders with tight-forward, Fabian Holland ruled out for quite some time with a shoulder injury.

Highlanders vs Crusaders Lineups

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.

Replacements: 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

Crusaderes: 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.

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