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Teaukura Moetaua / Getty Images
Former Timaru Boys’ High School star Cullen Grace plays for the Crusaders in a round six Super Rugby match against the Reds in Christchurch in March 2020.
Reigning Super Rugby champions Aotearoa will have their first preseason hit for the 2021 season in South Canterbury.
The February 12 date, confirmed on Wednesday after the SRA main draw release, will pit the Crusaders against traditional southern rivals the Highlanders in Temuka for the Farmlands Cup.
“The Super Rugby Aotearoa draw has been eagerly awaited, and now that our 2021 matches are secured, we can also confirm our preseason dates,” Crusaders Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge said in a press release.
The Temuka clash is two weeks before the launch of the season proper on February 26, which will feature the same two teams meeting at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
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The Crusaders squad, which in 2020 featured former Timaru Boys’ High School First XV star and new All Black Cullen Grace, hold the cup after defeating the Highlanders 41-7 in Wanaka in February 2020.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark is looking forward to another showdown against the champions.
Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
The Crusaders celebrate by claiming the Super Rugby Aotearoa title after beating the Highlanders.
“Temuka is a passionate rugby community with loyal fans for both the Highlanders and the Crusaders. We look forward to playing a game that we know will have great support before the start of the 2021 Super Season.”
Temuka Transport is supporting the event with General Manager Nigel Walsh, who is also the Senior Representative Coach for South Canterbury, saying that the hype around Temuka is growing.
“It’s good to have the date set so we can start planning,” Walsh said.
“There’s a lot of talk about the game in town already, people are getting excited and it’s only November. We love that this event is about supporting the people and businesses of South Canterbury.”
