Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is live. And Round 1 delivered. Five matches over the February 13-14 weekend. Fierce, high-quality rugby across the board. The Highlanders set the tone with a dramatic 25-23 victory over the Crusaders in Friday’s opener. The standard was maintained all weekend.
Highlanders 25 - Crusaders 23: Friday Night Thriller
The perfect curtain-raiser. Highlanders hosted the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. A gutsy two-point victory that had the home crowd on their feet for the final 10 minutes.
The Crusaders, rebuilding after a transitional 2025 campaign, remain a formidable force. Matched the Highlanders blow for blow. The lead changed hands three times in the second half before the Highlanders landed the decisive blow, holding on through a tense final passage.
An early statement from the Highlanders. Tipped by many as genuine contenders in 2026 after a strong recruitment drive during the off-season.
Round 1 Results
| Match | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Highlanders vs Crusaders | 25-23 | Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin |
| NSW Waratahs vs Queensland Reds | See below | Allianz Stadium, Sydney |
| Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika | See below | Churchill Park, Lautoka |
| Blues vs Chiefs | See below | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Bye: Hurricanes |
Australian Derby: Waratahs vs Reds
The NSW Waratahs hosting the Queensland Reds on Friday night at Allianz Stadium delivered the intensity and physicality this fixture is renowned for. Strong numbers turned out for the opening round derby. Both sides showed genuine improvement during the off-season. A contest that went down to the wire.
Pacific Island Showdown and NZ Blockbuster
Saturday’s action featured the Fijian Drua hosting Moana Pasifika in Lautoka. One of the most passionate fixtures on the Super Rugby calendar. The atmosphere at Churchill Park was electric, both teams playing expansive, high-tempo rugby.
The Blues and Chiefs renewed their rivalry at Eden Park in Auckland. Two pre-season favourites. A contest that lived up to its billing as the round’s marquee fixture.
Super Rugby Next Gen Launches
Alongside the main competition, Rugby Australia launched the Super Rugby Next Gen competition during the opening round. A development pathway designed to provide emerging talent with exposure to high-level representative rugby. Bridging the gap between academy programs and professional squads.
The Next Gen competition runs parallel to the main season. Matches scheduled around senior fixtures. Part of Rugby Australia’s broader strategy to strengthen the domestic player development pipeline.
Round 2 Preview (February 20-23)
Round 2 promises another compelling slate of fixtures, with several intriguing match-ups across the weekend.
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Highlanders vs Chiefs | Dunedin | Feb 20-23 |
| Western Force vs Blues | Perth | Feb 20-23 |
| Crusaders vs ACT Brumbies | Christchurch | Feb 20-23 |
Bye: Queensland Reds
The Highlanders face a quick turnaround hosting the Chiefs. Testing whether their Round 1 heroics have taken a physical toll. The Western Force welcome the Blues to Perth — a significant challenge. The Crusaders will be desperate to bounce back from their narrow Round 1 defeat when they host the ACT Brumbies in Christchurch.
Queensland Reds sit out Round 2 on the bye.
Season Outlook
Round 1 confirmed it. The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season will be fiercely competitive from top to bottom. The gap between the competition’s best and the rest has narrowed. This could be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.
Follow all rugby union action on the Rugby Union Hub.
LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com
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