Crusaders Secure Five-Try Victory Over Waratahs to Celebrate One NZ Stadium Opening in Christchurch

The Crusaders beat the Waratahs 35-20 in a five-try display to open their new stadium. Dallas McLeod scores twice as the hosts move to fourth on the table.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 4:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

A Triumphant Inauguration at One NZ Stadium

The Crusaders successfully ushered in a new era for Christchurch rugby on Friday night, delivering a clinical performance in front of a capacity crowd of 25,237. The transition from the long-standing Apollo Projects Stadium to the state-of-the-art indoor One NZ Stadium was met with high intensity, as the hosts sought to rectify a season of inconsistent results. While the Waratahs initially threatened to spoil the celebration by taking an early lead, the Crusaders' superior finishing and set-piece dominance eventually overwhelmed the visitors. The victory served as a crucial reset for the defending champions, ensuring they did not fall victim to a historic clean sweep of losses against Australian franchises.

Tactical Adjustments Following Late Roster Shuffles

Preparation for the fixture was complicated by the late withdrawal of star winger Sevu Reece due to illness, forcing a rapid adjustment to the backline. Dallas McLeod, elevated to the starting XV as a result, emerged as a central figure in the Crusaders' offensive strategy, crossing the white line twice. Despite the early setbacks, including a flurry of penalties that allowed the Waratahs to establish a 6-0 lead, the hosts remained disciplined. According to match reports, the team’s ability to absorb pressure during the opening quarter provided the foundation for their comeback, with McLeod’s first try serving as the catalyst for a dominant middle period.

Discipline and Momentum Swings Under the Roof

The encounter was marked by significant physical friction, resulting in a series of yellow cards that dictated the game's ebb and flow. The Waratahs were reduced to fourteen men in the first half following a caution to Miles Amatosero, yet they managed a spectacular full-field response through Sid Harvey. The Crusaders regained the lead just before the interval via a trademark rolling maul finished by Codie Taylor, taking a narrow 14-13 advantage into the sheds. The second half continued in a similar vein of attrition, with former Crusader Ioane Moananu and current captain David Havili both spending time in the bin for high-impact infractions.