Fiji born All Blacks winger Sevu Reece crossed a couple of phases later to put the Crusaders in front for the first time before O’Connor slotted the conversion to make it 29-25.
Kyle Preston dives over to score a try for Crusaders despite a tackle from Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo in Christchurch on February 14, 2025. Photo: Crusaders
Former Wallabies star James O’Connor and rookie halfback Kyle Preston have made impressive debuts off the bench to help the Crusaders to a 33-25 season-opening Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific win over the Hurricanes in Christchurch.
Injected into the action in the 57th minute, O’Connor had several nice touches but none better than a lovely short ball to put Will Jordan on the attack at the Crusaders trailed in the final quarter.
Fiji born All Blacks winger Sevu Reece crossed a couple of phases later to put the Crusaders in front for the first time before O’Connor slotted the conversion to make it 29-25.
O’Connor turned down a small-money offer to stay at the Queensland Reds before being handed a lifeline by the Crusaders, who are the 34-year-old’s fourth Super Rugby club after debuting at the Western Force back in 2008 before also having two seasons at the Melbourne Rebels.
The classy back’s versatility is already proving useful for embattled coach Rob Penney, who presided over only five wins last year having left the NSW Waratahs after a none-from-five start to the 2021 Super Rugby AU season.
Preston bagged a hat-trick to spark the Crusaders after the Hurricanes shot out to an early 14-0 lead at Apollo Projects Stadium, and took a 22-14 advantage into the halftime break.
Round 2
Meanwhile, next Friday Crusaders travel to Hamilton to face Chiefs while on Saturday, Highlanders host defending Super Rugby champions Blues in Otago.
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