Super Rugby

2025 - 2 - 14

Kicking Off in Style: Crusaders vs Hurricanes - The Ultimate Derby Showdown!

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Get ready, NZ! The super rugby season is heating up with the Crusaders battling the Hurricanes! Don't miss the action!

The stage is set for an electrifying opening match in the Super Rugby Pacific as the Crusaders gear up to host the Hurricanes at Christchurch's Apollo Projects Stadium. With kickoff scheduled for 7:05 pm, rugby fans across New Zealand are anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable clash between two of last year’s surprise packages. Both teams have shown incredible promise during pre-season, leaving fans whispering about what might unfold on the pitch tonight.

However, the Hurricanes arrive with a significant setback as they face injury woes, particularly at the pivotal first-five position. While every team wishes for a smooth sailing season, it's not uncommon for injuries to shake things up. The pressure is on for the replacements who’ll need to step in and prove their mettle in a high-stakes match— after all, it’s no small feat to take on the formidable Crusaders at their home ground!

In the lead-up to the match, the Herald released its annual ranking of New Zealand’s top 100 Super Rugby Pacific players, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation as fans debate who deserves the top spots. Will tonight’s match provide the backdrop for a player to shine and rise through the ranks, or will the solidified stars show why they continue to be top of the list? Get your predictions ready because this epic showdown is not just about bragging rights!

As if that’s not enough, viewers can catch all the action live, with expert commentary and real-time updates available through various platforms. The excitement for Super Rugby Pacific is palpable, and with SMARTECH now part of the naming rights for the competitions, it means this season is dedicated to showcasing the best in rugby talent and technology. It’s game on this Friday night, so grab your mates and settle in—this contest between the Crusaders and Hurricanes is not just a match, it’s a rugby spectacle!

Fun Fact: The Crusaders have been crowned Super Rugby champions multiple times, boasting a rich history in the competition since its inception in 1996. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, known for their charismatic playstyle, have also been consistent contenders, making their clashes with the Crusaders some of the most anticipated fixtures in the rugby calendar!

Get ready to cheer on your team, because the stakes are high, and with talent on both sides of the field, this is one match you won't want to miss. With every tackle, every pass, and every cheer from the crowd, the magic of rugby is alive and well in New Zealand!

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific Crusaders v Hurricanes: what you need to know (RNZ)

Crusaders v Hurricanes. Kick-off: 7:05pm. Apollo Projects Stadium. Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport. Two of last year's surprise packages open the 2025 ...

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Image courtesy of "ClubRugby.nz"

Aisle be Back: Super Rugby underway this weekend (ClubRugby.nz)

The Hurricanes this year have one key position hammered with pre-season injury, first-five. It's no place for rookies to find their feet, as the Crusaders found ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Rugby: Ranking New Zealand's top 100 Super Rugby Pacific players (New Zealand Herald)

The Herald's annual ranking of the top 100 New Zealand players in Super Rugby Pacific returns. As has been the case around the competition, there's been...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Crusaders v Hurricanes: All you need to know about the Super ... (Stuff.co.nz)

The Crusaders host the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific on Friday night. · Kickoff at Christchurch's Apollo Projects Stadium is at 7.05pm. · Fans can watch ...

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Image courtesy of "Newstalk ZB"

Friday Sport Kickoff: Adam Cooper and Nick Bewley on the ... (Newstalk ZB)

The Hurricanes take on the Crusaders in the first Super Rugby Pacific match of 2025 in Christchurch tonight - what can we expect from both teams, and who w.

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Image courtesy of "Betfred Insights"

Crusaders vs Hurricanes Super Rugby Predictions & Betting Tips (Betfred Insights)

Crusaders vs Hurricanes Predictions as Betfred Insights Rugby Union Tipsters preview the Super Rugby match on Friday 14 February 2025 and offer up their ...

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Image courtesy of "Rugby.com.au"

SMARTECH partners with Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby ... (Rugby.com.au)

SMARTECH has been announced as the official naming rights partner of Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women's competitions for 2025.

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Crusaders v Hurricanes live updates, Super Rugby Pacific round one (New Zealand Herald)

Live updates and commentary of the round one Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Christchurch. For the Alternative Commentary.

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific live updates: Crusaders v Hurricanes (RNZ)

Super Rugby Pacific kicks off with a big derby match in Christchurch, where the Hurricanes come in looking to repeat their victory from last year over the ...

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

Super Rugby Pacific 2025 LIVE scores: Crusaders vs Hurricanes ... (Nine)

Welcome to the opening night of Super Rugby Pacific 2025. We have two big games to kick the season off, starting with a spicy New Zealand derby between the ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

The surprising injury count ahead of round one of the Super Rugby ... (New Zealand Herald)

Vern Cotter is embracing the idea that with injury comes opportunity. The Blues coach had some choices made easier for his match-day squad in their...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Shoulders, knees and toes: Super Rugby's long injury list (RNZ)

Crusaders v Hurricanes. Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 14 Feb. Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. Live blog updates on RNZ Sport. From an AC joint to a wrist, ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Super Rugby Pacific: Six talking points ahead of the 2025 opening ... (New Zealand Herald)

Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME. He is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism. Learn more. THREE KEY FACTS.

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific 2025 kicks off: Bookies' favourites and ... (RNZ)

Can the Crusaders return to the top of the pile and will the Blues can go back to back?

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific live updates: Waratahs v Highlanders (RNZ)

Highlanders Timoci Tavatavanawai, right, and Hugh Renton, in action last year during a Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 match between the Highlanders and the ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Crusaders v Hurricanes result: Rob Penney's side open Super ... (New Zealand Herald)

Crusaders 33 Hurricanes 25 An influential All Black contingent has inspired the Crusaders to a stirring season-opening victory – with an assist from a...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Waratahs v Highlanders live updates, Super Rugby Pacific round one (New Zealand Herald)

Live updates of the round one Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Waratahs and Highlanders in Sydney. Highlanders side to play Waratahs 1. Ethan de Groot.

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders push back to claim win from ... (RNZ)

A hattrick to debutant Kyle Preston has powered the Crusaders to a 33-25 win over the Hurricanes at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.

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Image courtesy of "Super Rugby"

Super-man Suaalii soars as Waratahs grab last-gasp win (Super Rugby)

Code-crossing superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has made an impressive debut as the NSW Waratahs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their Super Rugby ...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders pip Hurricanes in thrilling season ... (Stuff.co.nz)

You'd be doing well to script a better debut than the one rookie Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston put together on Friday night.

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Image courtesy of "Super Rugby"

Preston hat-trick, O'Connor impact helps Crusaders defeat Hurricanes (Super Rugby)

Former Wallabies star James O'Connor and young scrumhalf Kyle Preston have made impressive debuts off the bench to help the Crusaders to a 33-25 ...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific: Waratahs pip Highlanders in thriller (RNZ)

The Waratahs have overcome the Highlanders 37-36 in a thrilling encounter in Sydney, in a game that featured nine lead changes.

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Super Rugby Pacific: Highlanders eye upset victory over Waratahs ... (Stuff.co.nz)

All you need to know about the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and Waratahs in Sydney.

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Image courtesy of "Otago Daily Times"

Heartbreak for Highlanders in Super Rugby opener (Otago Daily Times)

They led by six points at the death when burly Tahs prop Siosifa Amone crashed over for his second try next to the posts, and Jack Bowen iced a 37-36 victory ...

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Image courtesy of "Rugby.com.au"

Brumbies ace Toole eyes national team as Super Rugby restarts (Rugby.com.au)

Growing up in NSW's Riverina region, Corey Toole was always lightning quick, but his career path in professional rugby has been more of a slow burn.

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Image courtesy of "planetrugby.com"

Super Rugby Pacific winners and losers: Joseph Suaalii stars for ... (planetrugby.com)

Super Rugby Pacific kicked off on Friday and here are our winners and losers from the Crusaders and Waratahs' victories over the Hurricanes and Highlanders.

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Image courtesy of "Rugby.com.au"

'It was more intense here': Super Rugby intensity above Test Rugby ... (Rugby.com.au)

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has rated Super Rugby Pacific even more intense than his Test baptism of fire as he reflects on his debut.

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Super Rugby Pacific Live updates: Blues v Chiefs (RNZ)

There's a stack of All Blacks across both teams, with Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie both wearing the 15 jersey for their first game of the season. Kick- ...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Blues v Chiefs: All you need to know for Super Rugby Pacific clash ... (Stuff.co.nz)

Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Cameron Suafoa, Dalton Papali'i, Anton Segner, ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Blues vs Chiefs Super Rugby: Code's challenges in the spotlight as ... (New Zealand Herald)

When Auckland FC launched their remarkable debut season at Go Media Stadium on October 19, they had the good fortune to do so under a blazing sun. The...

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