A win for the Blues... and country rugby. Photo / Mike Thorpe
A win for the Blues... and country rugby. Photo / Mike Thorpe
In years to come, few will remember the score – even after the game, Blues assistant coach Jason O’Halloran couldn’t remember who scored his side’s tries.
But the small, rural Canterbury community of Kirwee will never forget the day they hosted Super Rugby’s greatest rivalry.
Morethan 3000 people packed into Kirwee Domain – that’s two-and-a-half times the population of the tiny town.
Crusaders country. More than 3000 turned out at Kirwee Domain for the pre-season fixture with the Blues on Friday afternoon. Photo / Mike Thorpe
“I’d never heard of Mangatainoka either, until the Hurricanes took a few games there back in the day. Is there a brewery around here by any chance?” O’Halloran joked.
There isn’t but the pub was gearing up for a huge night - there was a band on and a fence up. The date had been circled on Kirwee calendars since the game was announced. The social event of the summer, it was one-part rugby match to two-parts country catch-up.
“You can’t go five metres without seeing somebody you know,” said one punter, before excitedly waving to yet another familiar face.
Will Jordan signing an autograph for a young Crusaders fan. Photo / Mike Thorpe
Familiar faces greeted fans at each gate, too. While the All Blacks that featured in the Northern tour late last year didn’t take the field – they did take tickets, photos and a few by surprise. One entrance was patrolled by Crusaders' 2025 captain David Havili and star fullback Will Jordan with many fans doubling back for an autograph when they recognised their heroes.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson made the trip from Sumner to keep an eye on returning players such as Ethan Blackadder, who made it through unscathed after a wretched run of injuries. There were eyes in the sky, too. Four drones hovered high above while a videographer in a cherry-picker braved an at times vigorous easterly.
Sheffield's Frankie Smith was one of hundreds of youngsters hunting autographs and selfies at Kirwee Domain. Photo / Mike Thorpe
But the most eager eyes were young.
“Because All Blacks and Super Rugby players don’t play a lot of club rugby these days – this is probably one vehicle for kids to get some inspiration and seeing quality players running around. It was a great day, really enjoyed it,” said O’Halloran.
A clearing kick goes up but doesn't come down. Sideline trees kept match balls as souvenirs throughout the game. Photo / Mike Thorpe
There was also great curiosity about how the Crusaders’ latest recruit went in the No 10 jersey. The crowd was clearly taken with Aussie import James O’Connor, the 36-year-old former Wallaby impressing with his deft handling.
O’Connor was also impressed – with the Kirwee Domain surface.
“This pitch is awesome. Fast and soft – good for the old knees! Beautiful,” said O’Connor.
O’Connor spent the second half at first five with a young man half his age outside him. Harry Inch is fresh out of school. The 18-year-old with the best mullet in rugby was instrumental in Nelson College’s run to the 2024 national final and did not look out of place on the biggest stage he’s ever graced.
The aftermath. Players are swamped after the final whistle - where they stayed for autographs and photos long after the game ended. Photo / Mike Thorpe
Inch’s exuberance was equalled by O’Connor, who looks to have been revitalised by his move across the Tasman.
“I’m chuffed. Looking forward to connecting with the boys and we’ve got a camp this weekend – so we’re all getting away together.”
The Herald understands that camp is not too far from Kirwee – and the accommodation is politely described as modest. This Crusaders side is going out of its way to connect to the game’s grassroots. They also left a bunch of balls behind for anybody brave enough to retrieve them. Touch-finders that went up but never came down (from the trees).
All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett poses with two young fans. Barrett was one of a number of high-profile players that were rested for the pre-season fixture. Photo / Mike Thorpe
The final score of 35-19 to the Blues means little to either side – but the day meant the world to Kirwee.
Mike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch. He has been a broadcast journalist across television and radio for 20 years and joined the Herald in August 2024.
