Highlanders stun champion Crusaders to ignite Super Rugby Pacific season

Feb 13 : Flyhalf Cameron Millar slotted a long-range penalty to seal a thrilling 25-23 victory as the Otago Highlanders stunned the defending champion Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific's season-opener in Dunedin on Friday.

Across the Tasman Sea, the New South Wales Waratahs opened their campaign with a 36-12 win over the Queensland Reds at their Sydney Football Stadium home.

Bottom of the table in 2025, the Highlanders celebrated their first win since round nine last season as Millar's 48-metre kick sailed through the posts at Forsyth Barr Stadium with a minute-and-a-half to spare.

"Lucky we got a penalty, that's what I was hoping for," Millar said.

"It feels really good. Two or three months of really hard work in the pre-season. It's all worth it when you get moments like this in front of our awesome supporters."

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, a leading candidate to replace Scott Robertson as All Blacks boss, enjoyed a boost for the top job with one of his finest wins for the South Island team since returning from Japan.

The home side shot to a 22-13 lead with a two-try burst soon after halftime but Will Jordan threatened to pinch a win for the visitors with a fine game off the bench.

The All Blacks outside back sliced through three defenders on a jinking run and dragged another over the line near the hour-mark.

Crusaders replacement flyhalf Taha Kemara then gave them a one-point lead with a 71st-minute penalty before Millar had the final say.

After early tries from Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau and Crusaders scrumhalf Noah Hotham, flyhalf Rivez Reihana gave the visitors a five-point lead with penalties either side of halftime.

The Highlanders snatched back the lead with a stunning, two-try burst, though, with