The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season kicked off with a bang, celebrating 30 years of the competition with retro jerseys, high-stakes derbies, and several massive upsets. It was a weekend where the "old guard" was put on notice, particularly in New Zealand and Australia.

Highlanders 25 – 23 Crusaders

The season opener delivered an all-time classic South Island derby. The Highlanders pulled off a massive upset against the defending champion Crusaders, driven by the boot of young fly-half Cameron Millar.

The match saw Caleb Tangitau score the season’s first try, burning the defense on the right edge. Despite the Crusaders unloading a bench heavy with All Blacks—including the return of Will Jordan, who scored a late try—the Highlanders stayed gritty. Millar secured the win with a clinical 45-meter penalty goal just two minutes from time.

2. NSW Waratahs 36 – 12 Queensland Reds

The Waratahs signaled a major resurgence with a dominant display over their oldest rivals. Wearing their 1996 heritage jerseys, the Tahs were clinical, led by a standout performance from Max Jorgensen, who crossed for a double.

The Reds struggled to find their rhythm, with the Waratahs’ defensive pressure forcing constant errors. Along with Jorgensen’s brilliance, tries from Clem Halaholo and Isaac Kailea ensured the Bob Templeton Cup stayed in Sydney as the Waratahs controlled the game from start to finish.

3. Fijian Drua 26 – 40 Moana Pasifika

In the "Battle of the Pacific," Moana Pasifika made history by claiming their first-ever win on Fijian soil. Captain Miracle Fai’ilagi was the hero of the day, netting a spectacular hat-trick that stunned the home crowd in Lautoka.

The Drua, usually formidable at home, were plagued by line-out issues in the first half and fell behind 21-0 early. While they mounted a trademark comeback through tries from Kitione Salawa and Ilaisa Droasese, Moana’s tactical kicking—led by William Havili in his 50th Super Rugby appearance—kept them at arm’s length.

4. Blues 15 – 19 Chiefs

In a gritty "Battle of the Bombays," the Chiefs snatched a narrow victory at the graveyard of many visiting teams. The match was a defensive masterclass for much of the 80 minutes, with the teams tied at 5-5 at halftime.

Josh Jacomb controlled the game for the Chiefs, setting up crucial field position with a 50:22 that led to a Tupou Vaa’itry. The Blues fought back via Zarn Sullivan and Dalton Papali’i, but a late surge and a try by Cortez Ratima gave the Chiefs the edge in one of the most physical games of the round.

5. Western Force 24 – 56 ACT Brumbies

The final match of the round was a high-scoring blowout in Perth. The Brumbiesshowed why they remain Australia’s benchmark, putting 50 points on a struggling Western Force side.

Charlie Cale and Declan Meredith both crossed for doubles as the Brumbies' clinical set-piece and counter-attacking flair overwhelmed the hosts. While the Force showed flashes of brilliance through Franco Molina and Carlo Tizzano, they had no answer for the Brumbies’ depth and fitness in the final quarter.