Crusaders give Dagg a shot against Blues
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a side to face the Blues featuring six changes to the starting line-up, from the team that took the field against the Highlanders on Friday.
Of the four changes in the forwards, the Crusaders welcome the return of prop Tim Perry from the hamstring injury he sustained prior to the June break. At tighthead, Michael Alaalatoa moves from the bench to the starting side for this game.
Quinten Strange will partner captain Sam Whitelock at lock, with Scott Barrett rested this week. In the loose forwards, Jordan Taufua will start in the No.6 jersey, and Pete Samu comes in to the reserves.
The only changes in the backs will see Mitchell Drummond wear the No.9 jersey this week and Bryn Hall take a spot on the bench. David Havili will also sit out this game, and has been replaced at fullback by Israel Dagg.
On the reserves bench, Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather joins the squad and could earn his first Crusaders cap this week. Anderson-Heather will provide cover for Andrew Makalio in the absence of Codie Taylor, who is another All Black rested for this match.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Tim Perry.
Replacements: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Donald Brighouse, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele.
Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)]
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
