Live Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa updates: Highlanders v Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium

Crusaders midfielder Jack Goodhue in action against the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport

All the action as Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa returns with the Crusaders taking on the Highlanders.

Irish lock Jack Regan has survived a pandemic and seized an opportunity, earning a start for the Highlanders tonight.

Regan will take on the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, locking the scrum with Otago teammate Josh Dickson.

Regan, who had been released by Ulster in Northern Ireland just over a year ago, landed in Dunedin in March last year, all set to turn out for Dunedin in the premier club competition.

But the Covid-19 lockdown hit before he could even get on the field and he was laid up for months.

The 24-year-old decided against going back to Ireland and it has proved to be a wise choice. He got out on the field and put in some impressive performances for Dunedin, earning the call-up for Otago, where he played well, including scoring the match-winning try to beat Wellington.

With Ireland ravaged by Covid-19, including Regan's family, he opted to stay put in New Zealand over summer. He then got called into the Highlanders for injury cover for Pari Pari Parkinson, who is out with an ankle injury.

Regan was a standout in the two pre-season games and has now won the nod for a start against one of the best teams in the world.

Highlanders coach Tony Brown said Regan deserved his spot.

"It's funny how rugby works sometimes. If you get the opportunity and work really hard when you do get it, good things can happen.

"That is what has happened to Jack — he has taken that opportunity, and shown he is good enough to play Super Rugby."

Brown compared him to Alex Ainley — a tireless player who does the grunt work.

Plenty of players had pushed for spots in the starting side, Brown said.

"A lot of guys put their hands up and performed pretty well in the first two games and deserved their opportunity. But you can only pick 23 and we feel as though we have got the selection right."

Six forwards have been named on the bench, with the extra forward named to cover if a loose forward had to go on early.

Former All Black Liam Squire is set to get on in the second half but had not played for a year so needed to be managed.

"We just want to get him started. I'm sure he will be nervous but we're looking forward to getting him out there," Brown said.

Centre Fetuli Paea picked up a high ankle sprain in last week's game against the Hurricanes and is out for the season.

The Crusaders have named Dallas McLeod in the midfield, as David Havili is out with concussion. McLeod, who has just two Super Rugby caps, partners Jack Goodhue, who moves to centre.

- Otago Daily Times