The Crusaders named for their first home game

February 18, 2026
148
Ultimate Rugby

It’s been a long few months waiting to get back into Apollo Projects Stadium to play at home again, but Sunday afternoon footy is back in Christchurch.

The Brumbies are coming to town for a 3.35pm kick‑off, and while it’s only Round 2, this game carries a little more weight than usual.

Apollo Projects Stadium has seen 98 Crusaders wins, 494 tries and some of the greatest memories in our club’s history. And the Brumbies have never beaten us here.

With only three home games left at this place before we shift to One New Zealand Stadium, these moments at Apollo are few and far between, and ones we have to make the most of.

Rob Penney has kept faith with much of the group from Dunedin, leaning into continuity early in the season.

That trust extends across the team sheet, especially the inside‑back combination that finished strongly last year and continues to build confidence together.

Up front, Finlay Brewis gets another opportunity to anchor the loosehead side.

“We want to give Finlay a real opportunity to unleash himself at this level,” Penney says.

George Bell and Fletcher Newell join him to form a strong front row, while Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah lock the scrum again.

The loose trio of Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio‑Willie provides balance, physicality and relentless energy. Penney was especially impressed with Blackadder’s presence in Round 1.

“What a man, I can’t say enough about him and his contribution. His presence, his accuracy and his toughness – he was a standout all right.”

Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana guide the side once again, giving the Crusaders a steady 9–10 combination.

In the midfield, David Havili’s leadership pairs with the strike and timing of Braydon Ennor.

Leicester Fainga’anuku features as a powerful finishing option this week, with Penney eager to help him settle into a role where his instincts can shine.

“He's come back to New Zealand as a world-class player and there has been a lot of discussion, which he's been a part of, about his versatility. We really feel we need to get him settled and allow him to gradually unleash his talents as his combinations and confidence grows within the group.”

The back three of Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki and Will Jordan offer speed, counterattack and calmness under pressure.

Jordan’s influence off the bench last week brought real spark, and his inclusion in the starting group this week adds another layer of danger.

The bench carries its own storyline, none bigger than Louie Chapman being called into the 23.

Come Sunday, it would have been 995 days since his Crusaders debut – the last time he took to the field for the Crusaders, and the moment is not lost on him.

“I’m feeling so excited and ready to go. I’ve worked hard for a long time to get back into this arena, so I’m certainly not going to let it slip,” Chapman says.

His loyalty to the region has been a defining part of his journey.

“I love this place, and my family’s from here, so persevering wasn’t a hard decision,” he says.

Fresh off a standout NPC season, he carries genuine confidence into Sunday.

Penney knows how much this means to Louie and the group.

“Louie’s the heart and soul of the team. Everyone rejoices when someone with his perseverance gets an opportunity.”

With Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams and Seb Calder completing a strong front‑row rotation, plus Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Taha Kemara and Leicester Fainga’anuku covering the rest of the bench, there’s genuine impact spread throughout the reserves.

And then there’s a deeper layer to Sunday – one that’s bigger than any game of rugby. This match falls on the 15th anniversary of the February 22 Christchurch earthquake, a day that forever changed our city and region as we knew it.

Before kick‑off, we’ll observe a moment of silence to honour the 185 lives lost. First responders who worked tirelessly through the aftermath have been invited to join us, which carries enormous significance.

Apollo Projects Stadium has been part of Christchurch’s story of resilience, and Sunday is another chance to acknowledge that as a community.

“It’s so fitting to play on the 15‑year anniversary. It was such a tough time for the city, and it’s been really cool to see the bounce back. We’ll use that as fuel,” says Chapman.

Penney echoes that sentiment: “The best thing the boys can do to honour that event is play really well.”

At halftime, we will present a cheque to the Child Cancer Foundation with all the money raised from The Long Run – another reminder of the power of this community and the heart behind this team.

With everything this region has been through, celebrating our community on a day like this feels even more meaningful.

The Brumbies arrive after an impressive Round 1 win in Perth, and they always bring physicality, skill and speed.

“They’re a pretty complete side. We’re going to have to be right on,” Penney says.

Chapman sees it the same way: “If we tidy up our basics and muscle up physically, that’ll go a long way.”

The Brumbies won’t make anything easy, but they’ll be walking into a stadium where they’ve never won, and into a city that understands how to rally around its team.

With the milestone of 100 wins within reach and only a handful of matches left at Apollo, there’s no shortage of motivation.

Christchurch, we’d love to see you pack Apollo Projects Stadium.

These are the final chapters at a ground that’s held this city through its hardest times and its greatest sporting moments. Let’s make Sunday one of the ones we talk about long after we’ve moved into our new home.

Crusaders team to face the Brumbies:

Finlay Brewis
George Bell
Fletcher Newell
Antonio Shalfoon
Jamie Hannah
Dom Gardiner
Ethan Blackadder
Christian Lio‑Willie
Noah Hotham
Rivez Reihana
Sevu Reece
David Havili (C)
Braydon Ennor
Chay Fihaki
Will Jordan

Impact:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Louie Chapman
22. Taha Kemara
23. Leicester Fainga’anuku