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The Crusaders have gone some way to putting their wretched 2024 behind them by coming back from 14 points down to beat the Hurricanes 33-25 in an entertaining first Super Rugby Pacific game of the season in Christchurch tonight.
They won only four matches from 14 attempts last year but, after an ill-disciplined start during which they conceded four penalties in the first three and a half minutes and had lock Scott Barrett sent to the sinbin, they showed grit and creativity to get themselves out of a large hole.
Their poor start included a lower leg injury for halfback Noah Hotham, an All Black last year, a blow which brought Kyle Preston on for his Super Rugby debut after only nine minutes and Preston celebrated the occasion with a hat-trick of tries in an extraordinary performance.
The Wellington No.9 moved to Christchurch in a bid for more game time and could hardly have dreamed of a better start in the red and black jersey.
Helped by the brilliantly dangerous outside backs Sevu Reece and Will Jordan, Preston scored his three tries in a variety of ways – the first running a perfect line on the inside from a Jordan assist, the second via an inspired left-foot kick ahead by Reece, and the third an individual effort from close to the line, a score which sealed it.
The Crusaders were clueless at times last year but they played with a pattern and structure tonight – helped by a fired-up pack – which suggested they will be far harder to break down this season and indeed their firepower promises to be among the best in the competition.
For the Hurricanes, who clearly missed Jordie Barrett, now on sabbatical in Ireland, not even halfback Cam Roigard could turn the tide.
Crusaders first-five Taha Kemara played with composure and skill and James O’Connor, the 64-Test former Wallaby, was sharp when he came on for the final 22 minutes.
After two tries from Hurricanes hooker Jacob Devery, the Hurricanes were on a roll – they led 22-14 at halftime - but in the second half they ran into a Crusaders side who appear to be a far tougher proposition this year.
The home side were hamstrung even before kick-off with 13 players on the injury list but have uncovered several very promising players, including Preston and hooker Ioane Moananunu, who was excellent over 76 minutes.
David Havili is pulled down by the Hurricanes defence in Christchurch. (Source: Photosport)
Preston told Sky Sports afterwards: “The lungs were gone. I’m pretty grateful the game is over and we got the win.
“I prepared to play 80 even though I wasn’t starting. To see him [Hotham] go down was tough for him but I was stoked to go on early. It was a hell of an effort from the boys.”
Crusaders skipper David Havili said of the 25-year-old Preston: “You’ve been seeing it for Wellington. For him to come down here and put himself into an uncomfortable position has been huge.”
Havili added: “Off the back of last year we wanted to put on an awesome show for our fans. It was tough last year.”
After seeing their healthy lead disappear, the Hurricanes hit back near the end of the first half via a penalty and a Kini Naholo try in the left corner but, despite playing into a breeze, the Crusaders hit back through Preston, Cullen Grace and Sevu Reece.
The Crusaders also had two tries ruled out in the second half – one for Preston and one for Reece.
Up by three points with eight minutes remaining, it appeared an odd decision for O’Connor to go for the touchline when winning a penalty rather than taking an easy three points with a shot at goal.
Like many things for the Crusaders tonight, it paid off, with Preston scoring his third try.
With three minutes remaining, Hurricanes fullback Callum Harkin missed a penalty from a handy angle which would have earned his side a losing bonus point. He had earlier kicked one from near halfway.
The Hurricanes were perhaps over-achievers last year in leading the table after the regular season in what was a stark comparison to the under-achieving Crusaders.
“The Crusaders had a rough year last year and they’ve obviously worked hard to come back better,” Hurricanes captain Du’Plessi Kirifi said. “They’re a mature side. It was a very good performance from them tonight.”
Crusaders 33 (Kyle Preston 3, Cullen Grace, Sevu Reece tries; Taha Kemara 3 cons, James O’Connor con)
Hurricanes 25 (Jacob Devery 2, Kini Naholo tries; Harry Godfrey 2 cons, pen, Callum Harkin pen)
Halftime: 22-14 Hurricanes
