SUPER ROUND TEAM NAMING: Crusaders team named for first game at One New Zealand Stadium

22 Apr 2026

On Friday night, the Crusaders will run out at One New Zealand Stadium for the very first time, welcoming the Waratahs to Christchurch as Super Round arrives in the city.

A new home, a sold‑out crowd and a team determined to put on a performance worthy of the moment. This week is about more than just rugby; it’s about finally opening the doors to a place 14 years in the making and giving Cantabrians a permanent home again.

Head coach Rob Penney says the excitement has been building inside the group, with the occasion already showing in the way the team has prepared.

“It’s been a long wait, but it’s been worth the wait. Training’s been crisp, there’s a real buzz about the place, and that usually tells you the boys are looking forward to unleashing,” Penney says.

Penney is looking forward to the city getting a true sense of what our new home can become.

“It’s already a special place. Once it’s full and people feel the experience of being in a world‑class stadium, it’ll gather momentum very quickly. It’s something that will grow as the games unfold.”

On the field, the Crusaders welcome back key leaders, with David Havili returning to the starting lineup and resuming the captaincy in the midfield.

Codie Taylor is also back from injury and will co‑captain the side, bringing experience and authority to the forward pack.

There’s a positional shift in the loose forwards, with Leicester Fainga’anuku named to start at openside flanker.

“Leicester’s been keen to explore that opportunity,” Penney says.

“This stadium felt like the right place to do it. He loves big environments, loves pressure moments, and we feel he’ll add real value against this opposition.”

For Fainga’anuku, stepping inside One New Zealand Stadium for the first time reinforces what the moment means for the region.

“It’s real beautiful and a great representation of our region. This place has become the heart of the city, and it’s something our people deserve.”

Friday night has been on the players’ minds since early in the season, with Super Round bringing fans from across the country into Christchurch for a special weekend of rugby.

“From the moment we heard about the new build and what it means to us and our people, it gets you excited,” Fainga’anuku says.

“Now it’s finally here, we’re just ready to get into it and put on a good show.”

In the backs, Johnny McNicholl remains at fullback as Will Jordan continues his return from injury, while Taha Kemara starts at first five‑eighth and says the conditions under the roof open up exciting possibilities.

“It’s so special for us as a team,” Kemara says.

“It’s something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time, and something the city’s been waiting for too. I can’t wait to see everyone here on Friday night, it’s so special for Christchurch.

“Super Rugby needs something like this. It spices things up. Under a roof the footy’s going to be fast, it’s going to be exciting to watch, and the players are buzzing for it.”

After a challenging couple of weeks on the road, the Crusaders are clear on what they want to deliver at home – a performance that reflects who they are and what this jersey means.

“We’re disappointed with how the last two weeks went because it’s not us,” Kemara says.

“But every game’s a must‑win. We back ourselves on short weeks, and we’re excited to put a performance out in front of our people, in our home now.”

For Penney, success on Friday night will be measured by more than just what happens on the field.

“The crowd on their feet, cheering the boys off,” he says.

“The players feeling proud of what they’ve put out there, and the supporters feeling proud of them too. If we earn that response, then the boys have earned the right to feel really good about themselves.”

Crusaders team to face the Waratahs

1. Finlay Brewis

2. Codie Taylor (VC)

3. Fletcher Newell

4. Antonio Shalfoon

5. Tahlor Cahill

6. Dom Gardiner

7. Leicester Fainga’anuku

8. Christian Lio‑Willie

9. Noah Hotham

10. Taha Kemara

11. Macca Springer