Crusaders get key player back for Final
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After 10 rounds of competition, the Super Rugby Aotearoa title will be decided on Saturday, as the Crusaders prepare to host the Chiefs in the Final in Christchurch.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made just one change to the side that took the field against the Blues two weeks ago in Christchurch, with Braydon Ennor set to return from the knee injury that has sidelined him so far this season.
Ennor has been named on the bench this week, with Leicester Fainga’anuku retaining the starting spot at centre, in what will be his first Super Rugby Final.
Robertson said it’s special to have the opportunity to host the Final at home: “Occasions like this are exactly what we play for, the chance to represent the people of our region on the big stage and play in front of our friends and family at home.
“We’ve prepared well and enjoyed the week together, this is a team that really cares and will work hard for one another on Saturday night.The Chiefs will come to Christchurch with plenty of confidence, and we’re going to have to dig deep,” Robertson said.
Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Mitchell Dunshea, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Dallas McLeod, 23 Braydon Ennor.
Date: Saturday, May 8
Venue: Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant referees: James Doleman, Paul Williams
TMO: Brendon Pickerill
Your team heading to the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final! Welcome back Braydon Ennor 👏🏼🔥#CRUvCHI #ForeverWeStrive #FinalsFooty pic.twitter.com/ineWXFNwIi
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) May 6, 2021
