DHL Super Rugby Pacific fans are set to enjoy pre-season fixtures on Friday between the Blues v Hurricanes, Chiefs v Fijian Drua and Crusaders v the Highlanders.
First outings for the new wave of players participating in DHL Super Rugby Pacific 2026, the 30th year of the competition, will be seen over the weekend, with traditional pre-season games.
Defending champions, the Crusaders, will play the Highlanders at Fraser Park, Timaru, on Friday afternoon.
One of the focal points for the Crusaders will be the first appearance of Oli Mathis on the flank of their scrum. He is stepping into the role that has been played for so long by Tom Christie, now playing for Newcastle in England.
Fellow loosie Ethan Blackadder has been impressed with Mathis’ versatility.
“I like how he plays the game. He’s a loose forward who moves like a back, you don’t see that often.”
Blackadder said he has recovered well from the thumb injury he suffered last year and is feeling good for the season ahead.
First five-eighths Rivez Reihana will lead the side in the second half and is looking forward to the season, having played significant minutes last year, and also performing well with the Māori All Blacks mid-year, and the All Blacks XV on their northern tour.
“That tour was enjoyable for me; I had a lot of fun. Coming off the back of a Super campaign, it was nice to carry that form and continuity in my game to the next level.
“Having that year of experience under my belt, I’m looking forward to this year to rip into it and give it my best.”
Coach Rob Penney said the coaching group was looking for some evolution in the side’s game. They had put in hard work, but Friday would give them a chance to put that into work against opposition.
It was also a chance for the newer players in the squad to have some game time.
But for the season overall, it is a case of starting again.
“There was a little bit of angst around the group last year about wanting to do better [than in 2024]. That always causes a level of anxiety and determination. Each year is unique whether you’ve won or lost the year before.”
Highlanders assistant coach Ben Smith said the squad was more than ready for a game after their pre-season.
“It will be good to see us take on opposition rather than beating ourselves up.”
Smith is also looking forward to seeing newcomers like Stanley Solomon and Tito Harris perform, while the placement of Taine Robinson at fullback, instead of his usual first five-eighths position, was a hint of how his versatility may be viewed this year.
Smith said there are encouraging signs from second five-eighths Timoci Tavatavanawai and No8 Hugh Renton in their recovery from surgery ahead of their return.
Also on Friday the Blues are hosting the Hurricanes at Sacred Heart College in a four-quarter warm-up game, while the Chiefs are playing Fijian Drua at Blake Park in Mt Maunganui.
Check out the upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific fixtures here.