DHL Super Rugby Pacific: Pre-Season Fixtures Showcase New Talent and Championship Drive
The DHL Super Rugby Pacific season is gearing up for its 30th year, and fans will get an early look at the competition’s rising stars this Friday with a slate of pre-season matches. These fixtures offer a first glimpse of the players poised to make an impact in the 2026 season, as teams fine-tune their strategies and build momentum.
The defending champions, the Crusaders, will host the Highlanders at Fraser Park in Timaru on Friday afternoon, marking a key opportunity to assess their squad depth and new player integration. A significant focus for the Crusaders will be the debut of Oli Mathis on the flank, stepping into a role previously held by Tom Christie, who now plays for Newcastle in England.
Mathis’s versatility has already impressed teammate Ethan Blackadder. “I like how he plays the game. He’s a loose forward who moves like a back, you don’t see that often,” Blackadder commented. He also confirmed his own recovery from a thumb injury sustained last year, expressing confidence heading into the new season.
Leading the Crusaders in the second half will be first five-eighths Rivez Reihana, building on a strong 2024 campaign that included notable performances with both the Māori All Blacks and the All Blacks XV. Reihana shared his enthusiasm, stating, “That tour was enjoyable for me; I had a lot of fun. Coming off the back of a Super campaign, it was nice to carry that form and continuity in my game to the next level.” He added, “Having that year of experience under my belt, I’m looking forward to this year to rip into it and give it my best.”
Crusaders coach Rob Penney emphasized the team’s focus on evolution. “We had put in hard work, but Friday will give us a chance to put that into work against opposition,” he explained. He also highlighted the importance of providing game time for newer squad members, while acknowledging the need to “start again” despite their championship success. Penney noted a palpable desire within the group to improve upon their 2024 performance, fueling a sense of “anxiety and determination.”
The Highlanders are equally eager to test their preparations. Assistant coach Ben Smith stated, “It will be good to see us take on opposition rather than beating ourselves up,” indicating a readiness to move beyond internal training. Smith also anticipates strong performances from newcomers Stanley Solomon and Tito Harris, and highlighted the strategic flexibility demonstrated by deploying Taine Robinson at fullback, a departure from his usual first five-eighths position. Encouraging updates were also provided regarding the recovery of second five-eighths Timoci Tavatavanawai and No8 Hugh Renton from surgery.
Elsewhere on Friday, the Blues will host the Hurricanes at Sacred Heart College in a four-quarter warm-up match, while the Chiefs will face the Fijian Drua at Blake Park in Mt Maunganui.
Fans can find a complete schedule of upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific fixtures [here](Check out the upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific fixtures here.). These pre-season games represent not just a prelude to the main event, but a crucial opportunity for teams to refine their strategies and showcase the talent that will define the 30th year of this premier rugby competition.
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