Former Wallabies star James O'Connor has made an impressive debut off the bench to help the Crusaders to a 33-25 season-opening Super Rugby Pacific win over the Hurricanes in Christchurch.
Injected into the action in the 57th minute, O'Connor had several nice touches but none better than a lovely short ball to put Will Jordan on the attack at the Crusaders trailed in the final quarter.
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All Blacks winger Sevu Reece crossed a couple of phases later to put the Crusaders in front for the first time before O'Connor slotted the conversion to make it 29-25.
O'Connor turned down a small-money offer to stay at the Queensland Reds before being handed a lifeline by the Crusaders, who are the 34-year-old's fourth Super Rugby club after debuting at the Western Force back in 2008 before also having two seasons at the Melbourne Rebels.
The classy back's versatility is already proving useful for embattled coach Rob Penney, who presided over only five wins last year having left the NSW Waratahs after a none-from-five start to the 2021 Super Rugby AU season.
Lively scrumhalf Kyle Preston bagged a hat-trick to spark the Crusaders after the Hurricanes shot out to an early 14-0 lead at Apollo Projects Stadium, and took a 22-14 advantage into the halftime break.
The Hurricanes capitalised on the ill-disciplined hosts, which saw Scott Barrett go to the bin.
Hooker Jacob Devery took advantage of a rare start with Asafo Aumua out injured as he crossed for a double.
However, the Crusaders rallied, and it was Preston who proved an unlikely hero.
The scrumhalf came on early for Noah Hotham, who went off the field early due to injury, and scored the hosts' first try.
Cullen Grace followed him over before Preston scored twice after the break to secure the win.
