Flyhalf Cameron Millar slotted a long-range penalty to seal athrilling 25-23 victory as the Highlanders stunned the defending champion Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific's season-opener in Dunedin on Friday.
HUGE win at home for the @highlanders 🙌
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 13, 2026
What a match to kick off our season 🥵#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #HIGvCRU pic.twitter.com/E7B7PRYcpo
Across the Tasman Sea, the New South Wales Waratahs opened their campaign with a 36-12 win over the 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 newly recruited prop Angus Ta'avao crashing over and Jonah Lowe finishing off a brilliant team effort at the left corner.
JORGENSEN SHINES
Over in Sydney, Max Jorgensen celebrated the recent signing of his lucrative, five-year Wallabies contract by scoring two tries as the hosts trampled over Les Kiss's Reds after leading 17-12 at the break.
What a start to 2026 for the @nswwaratahs 😍
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 13, 2026
For the first time in a decade, the sky blue get the W over the Reds at Allianz Stadium 👏
Watch every Super Rugby Pacific match live on @skysportnz and @stansportau#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #WARvRED pic.twitter.com/GlM4zqn08D
The Wallabies winger's first try in the 39th minute was a stunner as he stepped past Reds fullback Jock Campbell in midfield and burnt away from the chasing pack.
Charlie Gamble later set up Jorgensen's second try while lying on his back, flicking a clever pop-pass behind his head to help blow out the lead.
The Waratahs also had tries from debutant loose forward Clem Halaholo, prop Isaac Kailea and halfback Teddy Wilson.
Tim Ryan and Joe Brial scored first-half tries for the Reds, who were kept scoreless after the break.
Former Wallabies loose forward Pete Samu was in great form in his first outing for the Waratahs, his third Super Rugby club following stints at the Crusaders and the Brumbies.
"It was an awesome feeling to get the win," said the 34-year-old.
"Full-circle moment, proud to put on the jersey the first time."