Crusaders get All Black firepower back for first home game
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has got some serious firepower back for his team’s rescheduled Round Two Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the Hurricanes on Sunday.
Both vice-captain David Havili and outside back Will Jordan return to the side this week from injury.
Havili will start at fullback and Jordan will be on the bench.
The only other change to the side sees a switch at scrumhalf, with Mitchell Drummond named to start in his 95th appearance for the franchise and Bryn Hall moving to the reserves for his 98th Super Rugby cap.
Young backs Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod have retained their spots in the starting team.
Robertson told the media in Christchurch that both players are deserving of another opportunity this week.
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“Leicester, every time he’s had an opportunity for us, he’s been exceptional,” the coach said.
“He’s a genuine power wing, he’s someone that always will break the first tackle or bring three, four defenders in.
“[Dallas] took his opportunity, now he gets another one, gets a bit of continuity.
“He’s been patient, it’s a hard team to crack, so when you get your opportunity you want to take it.”
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Sione Havili Talitui, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Will Jordan.
Date: Sunday, March 7
Venue: Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch
Kick-off: 16.35, 03.35 GMT
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser & James Doleman
TMO: Brendon Pickerill
