![\"Dallas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4JPNMB4_260424CrusadersWaratahs_035_JPG.jpeg\")
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\nDallas McLeod scores the first try at Te Kaha One NZ Stadium.
\nPhoto: John Davidson\/Photosport\n<\/p>\n
The Crusaders’ homecoming at Te Kaha has been marked with victory.<\/p>\n
The side ended their inaugural appearance at the new stadium with a comfortable 35-20 win over NSW Waratahs.<\/p>\n
Leicester Fainga\u02bbanuku’s switch to seven proved successful, with the All Black a menace around the park, while the Crusaders outsides cut capers in Christchurch to announce their arrival at Te Kaha in style.<\/p>\n
Fainga\u02bbanuku made an inauspicious start, giving away a ruck penalty and the first chance at the first points, which were happily taken by Sid Harvey and the Waratahs.<\/p>\n
Harvey made it two from two to put the ‘Tahs up by six, before the honour of the stadium’s first try went to Dallas McLeod, with Johnny McNicoll providing the last, albeit marginal pass to send his winger away.<\/p>\n
Tensions boiled over just before the half hour mark, when Miles Amatosero was shown yellow for his role in an extended scuffle.<\/p>\n
The home side looked to have taken immediate advantage, as McLeod went in for a second, but it was scrubbed, due to David Havili running obstruction.<\/p>\n
The Waratahs would not be denied, with Jack Debreczeni’s pinpoint cross kick finding the arms of Harvey to score in the left corner,<\/p>\n
However, the Crusaders were not done, as a trademark rolling maul put Taylor over and the Crusaders ahead 14-13 at half-time.<\/p>\n
A tight start to the second was broken, when Fainga\u02bbanuku stormed over from close range, McLeod scored his second shortly after, with some nifty footwork, to stretch the lead further.<\/p>\n
Replacement halfback Teddy Wilson brought some life back to the ‘Tahs, as he broke through the line and skinned McNicoll to recover some hope, but Macca Springer would put an end to that.<\/p>\n
The Tasman flyer had too much gas for his opposite and waltzed over to drive the final nail home, starting a new chapter of Crusaders rugby in familiar fashion.<\/p>\n
Follow the live action here:<\/p>\n