The Crusaders got off to a winning start. 

The began the 2025 Super Rugby season with a 33-25 win over the Hurricanes, spurred on by reserve halfback Kyle Preston. 

Preston was brought on early in the game, replacing the injured Noah Hotham, and proceeding to score three tries. 

Preston told Elliott Smith he wasn’t expecting the hat trick.  

“I was hoping for one at least on debut, and to get three was, yeah, pretty special.” 

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