Crusaders bring in young guns for injured stars
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has revealed his team to face the Jaguares in Saturday’s Super Rugby Final against the Jaguares in Christchurch.
Robertson has named a consistent run-on side from last week’s semifinal, with the exception of lock Scott Barrett and inside centre Ryan Crotty, who have both been ruled out of the Final with hand injuries.
Mitchell Dunshea, 23, joins captain Sam Whitelock as the starting locks, and Braydon Ennor, 21, slots into the midfield alongside Jack Goodhue in the absence of Crotty.
The21-year old Will Jordan returns from injury to re-join the matchday side.
Jordan takes the No.23 jersey on the bench.
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Robertson said the team has built nicely throughout the week in preparation for Saturday’s Final: “This is going to be a massive challenge against a tough Jaguares side, and there has been plenty of great energy in our environment this week.
“This is the Jaguares first Final so they’ll have plenty of motivation and will be buoyed by the support of their passionate fans. The occasion is something we’ve embraced in our group, it’s exciting and really special to be involved in a Final and to play for our friends, family and the people of the Crusaders region on Saturday night.”
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan.
Date: Saturday, July 6
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 04.35 Argentina time)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser, Paul Williams
TMO: Ben Skeen
