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All Black duo return for Crusaders

By
Thursday 17 Mar 2016

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has made a number of changes to the 23-man squad that beat the Blues two weeks ago. 

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Besides lock Romano and loose forward Matt Todd, halfback Mitchell Drummond and fullback Marty McKenzie will also make their first appearance for the team this year. 

Prop Wyatt Crockett and hooker Ben Funnell will start at No.1 and No.2 for the first time this season, having come off the bench in the previous two games.

 

David Havili will partner Kieron Fonotia in the midfield, while Johnny McNicholl and Nemani Nadolo start on the wings.

 

Hooker Ged Robinson may earn his first Crusaders cap if he comes off the bench on Saturday, and Ryan Crotty is also looking for his first run of 2016 after recovering from his thumb injury to take a spot in the replacements.

Crusaders: 15 Ben Volavola, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 David Havili, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Jimmy Tupou, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Jone Macilai.

Date: Saturday, March 19

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 SAST; 06.35 GMT)

Referee: William Houston (Australia)

Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)

TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)

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