Crusaders make big backline changes for Bulls clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Following their 21-all draw against the Sharks last week, Robertson has named an unchanged forward pack from the side that took the field in Christchurch.
Matt Todd will again captain the team in the absence of Samuel Whitelock.
In the backs, Richie Mo’unga and Ryan Crotty return at flyhalf and inside centre respectively, which sees Mitch Hunt and Braydon Ennor move to the reserves and Jack Goodhue switch back to outside centre.
The final change is at fullback, where David Havili starts in place of Will Jordan, who didn’t travel to South Africa due to a foot injury sustained in the Sharks match.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor.
Date: Friday, May 10
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 05.10, Saturday, May 11 NZ time)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Egon Seconds
TMO: Willie Vos
