The feeling for Hurricanes fans after Friday night's 33-25 loss to the Crusaders would've been extra bitter knowing Kyle Preston is a Wellingtonian. The halfback, who was subbed onto the field after only eight minutes after an injury to Noah Hotham, scored three tries in his side's come from behind effort - effectively the ultimate difference in a victory against a Hurricanes team he grew up wanting to play for.
"I always thought I'd be playing with them," said the former Tawa College student, Old Boys-University club player and NPC title winner with Wellington last season.
"Things change, rugby takes you different places… I think it's very cool (to score) against the Canes and a few of those boys from the Wellington Lions. It's a pretty special moment to get the debut, to do it against those guys."
The sight of Preston crossing the line again and again was exactly what Crusaders coach Rob Penney wanted to see, not just because of the importance of a first up win. While Preston was pursued hard by the Crusaders and subsequently turned down a contract with the Hurricanes, his selection on the bench for the first game did raise a few eyebrows as it bumped veteran Mitch Drummond out of the team.
Kyle Preston scores a try on debut for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby season-season opening match at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, 14 Feb 2025. Photo: Photosport
"What a champion performance, but when you're running 4 minute 13 Broncos, you're gonna have plenty of fuel in the tank," Penney said.
"We got him here for a reason. Not only did he score those three tries, he also box kicked at crucial times and distributed really well. We love having him in our environment."
Another man to make his Crusaders debut but very much at the other end of his career was Wallaby veteran James O'Connor, who was heavily involved in a stint off the bench as well.
"I think sometimes it's the best way to have it," he said about Preston's early introduction into the game.
"The adrenaline takes over. I thought he was very assertive in his game … he picked his moments well. A couple of his support lines were really good."
O'Connor was full of praise for starting first five Taha Kemara as well.
"Taha's got game, that's for sure. He's a livewire but he's got a good head on his shoulders… I don't want to put pressure, but I'd say he's the most naturally gifted 10 I've played with."
James O'Connor of the Crusaders. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
The 64-test Wallaby enjoyed being on the home team in New Zealand for the first time in his long and illustrious career.
"The reception I received was really good, very positive. It felt a lot better running out that tunnel, that's for sure."
Hotham's injury is expected to rule him out for a number of weeks, so it is likely Preston will be handed the number nine jersey next weekend when the Crusaders take on the Chiefs in Hamilton. However, if he keeps scoring tries at this rate, it'll cost him after each game.
"I heard it from a couple of boys, the outside backs because they set me up a couple of times, I've gotta shout them some beers. So I better get the card out."
