James O’Connor Shines with a Debut to Remember as Crusaders Deliver a Contender for Try of the Season

This article was first published by Stuff and is used here with permission

Rookie Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston certainly couldn’t have orchestrated a more impressive debut on Friday night.

The 25-year-old, who grew up a Hurricanes supporter, scored a remarkable hat-trick, propelling the Crusaders to a thrilling 33-25 victory over his childhood club in the Super Rugby season opener held in Christchurch.

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With a sharp pass and the ability to kick adeptly with both feet, it was Preston’s third try, a clever snipe at the line in the 76th minute, that secured a win that had seemed distant after the Crusaders found themselves in a 14-0 deficit early on.

Trailing 22-14 at halftime, the Crusaders had to rally themselves, battling against a fierce easterly wind.

This Super Rugby opener was a true spectacle, showcasing eight tries, including one that will certainly be in contention for try of the season once 2025 wraps up.

The second try Preston scored was the cherry on top of a well-constructed move that kicked off with a chip kick from David Havili to Will Jordan deep in Crusaders’ territory. Jordan then passed to winger Sevu Reece, who delivered a brilliant centre-kick for Preston to dive onto.

While coach Rob Penney may not voice it, there’s a good chance no one in the Crusaders’ region is feeling as relieved as he is.

It’s just one match, but Penney and the Crusaders indeed needed this victory, especially following a dismal 2024 season where they notched only four wins and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

However, the night wasn’t entirely smooth for the Crusaders, who were without several key players due to injury.

Despite emphasising the importance of a strong start all week, they conceded two tries during a tumultuous opening 15 minutes.

The early trouble was compounded by three penalties within the first three and a half minutes, with the third prompting referee Nic Berry to send off All Blacks captain Scott Barrett.

Hurricanes hooker Jacob Devery seized his opportunity, crashing across the line shortly after Barrett’s departure, despite strong defensive efforts from Crusaders No. 8 Christian Lio-Willie and prop Tamaiti Williams.

Devery quickly added a second try ten minutes later, breaking through wide as the Hurricanes exploited gaps in the Crusaders’ defence.

The Hurricanes were clearly making strides with ease, sliding past the Crusaders’ line with minimal resistance, forcing the backs of the home side to take risks.

With young No. 10 Harry Godfrey stepping up amid a shortage of options in the playmaker position due to injuries, the Hurricanes repeatedly found gaps in the Crusaders’ defence.

Fortunately for the Crusaders, they welcomed back Will Jordan, a formidable player capable of turning the tide for the team, who had missed the entire 2024 season with a shoulder injury.

It was Jordan’s inside ball that reignited the Crusaders, as he surged through a gap and set up Preston for a try directly under the posts.

This seemed to revive the Crusaders’ spirits, pushing Levi Aumu and Sevu Reece close to scoring, before flanker Cullen Grace grounded the ball to level the match.

Yet, the Hurricanes, who maintained swift ruck ball throughout the night, regained control in the Crusaders’ 22, resulting in a penalty for Godfrey and a beautifully executed try from Kini Naholo near the corner flag, completing an outstanding first half.

At Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch: Crusaders 33 (Kyle Preston tries 19min, 54min, 76min; Cullen Grace try 25min; Sevu Reece 66min; Taha Kemara 3 con, James O’Connor con) Hurricanes 25 (Jacob Devery tries 5min, 15min; Kini Naholo 39min; Harry Godfrey 2 con, pen; Callum Harkin pen). HT: 14-22

Yellow cards: Scott Barrett (Crusaders)