The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season roared into action with a spectacular opening round, delivering edge-of-your-seat rugby from start to finish. Fans were treated to dramatic comebacks, last-minute winners, and standout performances across the board. From the Crusaders’ rookie heroics to the Force’s stunning late surge, each clash set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season.
Here’s a recap of all the action from Round 1, complete with match highlights:
CRUSADERS RALLY TO OVERCOME HURRICANES IN OPENING ROUND THRILLER
Crusaders 33 - 25 Hurricanes (HT 14-22)
The Crusaders staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 33-25 victory over the Hurricanes in the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. The visitors raced to a 14-0 lead after two early tries from hooker Jacob Devery, capitalizing on a yellow card to Scott Barrett. However, the Crusaders responded through rookie halfback Kyle Preston, who stole the show with a hat-trick on debut after replacing the injured Noah Hotham. Will Jordan’s return added spark to the Crusaders’ attack, while Cullen Grace and Sevu Reece also crossed the line. Despite a well-taken try from Kini Naholo and accurate kicking from Harry Godfrey, the Hurricanes were ultimately outpaced by the Crusaders’ second-half surge, with Preston’s late sniping try sealing the win.
CRUSADERS
- Tries: Preston (19’, 55’, 74’), Grace (25’), Reece (66’)
- Conversions: Kemara (20’, 26’, 56’), O’Connor (67’)
HURRICANES
- Tries: Devery (6’, 15’), Naholo (37’)
- Conversions: Godfrey (7’, 16’)
- Penalties: Godfrey (33’), Harkin (58’)
WARATAHS SNATCH LAST-MINUTE THRILLER AGAINST HIGHLANDERS
Waratahs 37 - 36 Highlanders (HT 13-12)
In a pulsating encounter at Allianz Stadium, the Waratahs edged the Highlanders 37-36 in a dramatic Round 1 clash of Super Rugby Pacific. The Highlanders started strongly, with Caleb Tangitau and captain Timoci Tavatavanawai crossing early, but the Waratahs capitalized on a yellow card to Mitch Dunshea, with Rob Leota scoring their first try. The second half was a seesaw battle, as Dave Porecki, Max Jorgensen, and Siosifa Amone (twice) crossed for the Waratahs, while Veveni Lasaqa, Sefo Kautai, and a late Highlanders try kept the visitors ahead until the dying seconds. With the final play, Amone powered over for his second try, and Tane Edmed’s clutch conversion sealed a one-point victory for the home side.
WARATAHS
- Tries: Leota (34’), Porecki (48’), Jorgensen (62’), Amone (68’, 80’)
- Conversions: Edmed (35’, 49’), Bowen (80')
- Penalties: Edmed (11’, 40')
HIGHLANDERS
- Tries: Tangitau (6’, 65'), Tavatavanawai (26’), Lasaqa (57’), Kautai (72’)
- Conversions: Gilbert (27’, 58’, 66’), Millar (73')
- Penalties: Gilbert (46’)
BRUMBIES MAKE HISTORY WITH DRAMATIC COMEBACK WIN OVER DRUA
Drua 32 - 36 Brumbies (HT 20-17)
The ACT Brumbies became the first Australian side to defeat the Fijian Drua on their home soil, securing a thrilling 36-32 victory in Suva. The Drua, backed by their passionate home crowd, started brightly with Vuate Karawalevu bagging a double, and strong performances from Frank Lomani and Simione Kuruvoli. However, two yellow cards in the first half left the Drua vulnerable, allowing the Brumbies to claw back in the second half. Flanker Luke Reimer was the hero, scoring two crucial late tries, while captain Ryan Lonergan and the Brumbies’ set piece dominance in the closing stages proved decisive. The youthful Brumbies side, featuring six debutants, showed remarkable composure and resilience to start their season with a historic win.
FIJIAN DRUA
- Tries: Kuruvoli (16’), Loganimasi (38’), Karawalevu (55', 61')
- Conversions: Muntz (17’, 39’, 62’)
- Penalties: Muntz (30', 34’)
BRUMBIES
- Tries: Pollard (4'), Sapsford (20’), Lonergan (26'), Van Nek (50'), Reimer (68', 74')
- Conversions: Lolesio (5’, 51’), Meredith (75’)
CHIEFS OUTMUSCLE BLUES IN GRAND FINAL REMATCH
BLUES 14 - 25 CHIEFS (HT 14-6)
The Chiefs kicked off their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a hard-fought 25-14 victory over the Blues at Eden Park in a physical rematch of last season’s final. The Blues led 14-6 at halftime through tries from Dalton Papali’i and A.J. Lam, but the Chiefs surged back with a dominant second-half performance. Damian McKenzie starred for the visitors, scoring two tries, slotting four goals, and controlling the tempo from fullback. Leroy Carter added a crucial go-ahead try after a yellow card to Blues prop Josh Fusitu’a opened the door for the Chiefs. Despite strong efforts from Papali’i and Beauden Barrett, the Blues were held scoreless in the second half as the Chiefs’ powerful bench and clinical finishing sealed the win.
BLUES
- Tries:. Papali’i (29’), Lam (40’)
- Conversions: Barrett (30’, 41’)
CHIEFS
- Tries: McKenzie (54’, 75’), Carter (67’)
- Conversions: McKenzie (68’, 76’)
- Penalties: McKenzie (14', 35’)
FORCE COMPLETE STUNNING COMEBACK TO EDGE MOANA PASIFIKA IN PERTH
Western Force 45 - 44 Moana Pasifika (HT 24-27)
The Western Force capped off a perfect opening round for Australian teams with a dramatic 45-44 win over Moana Pasifika at HBF Park. Trailing 44-31 with just four minutes remaining, the Force produced a stunning finish with winger Dylan Pietsch crossing before Ben Donaldson scored a sensational try after the siren following a 25-phase build-up. Donaldson, who shrugged off an ankle injury, was flawless from the tee, converting his own try to seal victory. Carlo Tizzano led the charge with two tries, while Moana’s dynamic attack, led by two tries from Fine Inisi Taumoefolau, fell just short despite a composed display from new captain Ardie Savea.
WESTERN FORCE
- Tries: Tizzano (23’, 37’), Grealy (27’), Pearce (50’), Pietsch (76’), Donaldson (80’)
- Conversions: Donaldson (24’, 28’, 38’, 51’, 77’, 80’)
- Penalties: Donaldson (20’)
MOANA PASIFIKA
- Tries: Taumoefolau (13', 62’), Garden-Bachop (17’), Patafilo (30’), Ta'eiloa (71’), Taumateine (72’)
- Conversions: Havili (14', 18', 31', 72')
- Penalties: Havili (40’)
- Drop Goals: Garden-Bachop (22’)
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 1
That wraps up Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific. With teams finding their form, the competition is becoming even more intense, and every match is proving to be a battle. Some teams are making strong early statements, while others are still searching for consistency.
What do you think of this weekend’s action? Which team impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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