LIVE: Super Round 2026 is here as the Crusaders and NSW Waratahs open the brand-new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch
A packed house is expected for the historic event, with the city rallying behind the new venue 15 years after their exit from Lancaster Park.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
It's a must win clash for both teams, with the Crusaders holding sixth place by two points over the Waratahs.
The hosts welcome back Codie Taylor and David Havili, while delivering a selection shock with Leicester Fainga'anuku at openside flanker.
For the Waratahs, Max Jorgensen goes to fullback as they search for their first win in the region since 2004.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW OR THE MATCH CENTRE
Welcome to the start of Super Round as the Crusaders host the NSW Waratahs in Christchurch.
The city is pumping with jerseys and colour as the new One NZ Stadium slowly fills to capacity. It's a mighty venue, for those familar very similar to a Commbank Stadium or Allianz Stadium.
The hosts have made ONE change from Wednesday's inital team listing, with Sevu Reece (illess) replaced by Dallas McLeod, Maloni Kunawave coming onto the bench.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Maloni Kunawave
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Folau Fainga'a, Siosifa Amone, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Ben O'Keeffe, Damon Murphy
TMO: Brett Cronan
The Crusaders' clash with the Waratahs will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 4:30 pm with kickoff expected at 5:35 pm.
