All Black returns for Crusaders clash against Hurricanes
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Crusaders are currently preparing for their final pre-season hit out against the Hurricanes before the Super Rugby Pacific season officially kicks off next weekend.
An initial squad has made the trip to Queenstown, including regular Captain Scott Barrett, and fellow All Blacks Joe Moody, Braydon Ennor and George Bridge – all of whom have been named in the side this week.
Head Coach Scott Robertson has again selected first and second half teams for this match, which has been rescheduled to a Saturday evening kick off at Wakatipu Rugby Club in light of all New Zealand-based sides moving to the central competition hub this week.
Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland has revealed his players will be looking to impress ahead of the season opener against the Crusaders on February 19th.
“We’re still not 100% on who our best 23 are to play Round 1, so there is still an opportunity for the guys to put their best foot forward this weekend and nab that jersey,” said Hurricanes Head Coach, Jason Holland.
“There is a hell of a lot of competition here and we’re definitely open to seeing who performs. We’re keen to see how the guys go on the weekend.”
Latecomer Reed Prinsep will make an appearance during the last 20 minutes, after completing 5 days in isolation before coming back into the fold. James Blackwell will get the opportunity to captain the team.
Teams:
Crusaders: 15 Chay Fihaki, 14 George Bridge, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (Captain), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: Finlay Brewis (Abraham Pole), Shilo Klein (Ricky Jackson), Fletcher Newell, Mitch Dunshea, Antonio Shalfoon, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Jacob Norris, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Simon Hickey, Macca Springer, Isaiah Punivai, Inga Finau, Freedom Vahaakolo, Chay Fihaki
Hurricanes: 15 Ruben Love, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Caleb Delany, 4 James Blackwell (captain), 3 Tevita Mafileo, 2 Jacob Devery, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Replacements: Siua Maile, Xavier Numia, Alex Fidow, Ben May, Ofa Tauatavalu, Justin Sangster, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Reed Prinsep, Logan Henry, Aidan Morgan, Leroy Carter, Julian Savea, Bailyn Sullivan, Nehe Milner-Skudder.
