Crusaders rotate backline for Brisbane trip
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the starting side that defeated the Hurricanes 38-22 in Christchurch last weekend for their clash against the Reds in Brisbane.
The tight five remains the same, but in the loose forwards Tom Sanders earns his first start of the 2019 season in the No. 6 jersey, and Jordan Taufua moves to the bench.
In the backline, Mitch Drummond and Bryn Hall swap this week, so that Drummond starts at scrumhalf. Tim Bateman also steps in at inside in the absence of vice-captain Ryan Crotty, who is on an All Blacks rest week and won’t travel to Brisbane.
Round One Man of the Match Braydon Ennor will return to the starting team in Brisbane, replacing the injured Manasa Mataele on the right wing. The final change sees Will Jordan, who turned 21 on Sunday, earn his first Super Rugby start at fullback, with David Havili providing cover in the reserves.
Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 David Havili.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 18.45 (21.45; NZ time; 08.45 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Damon Murphy (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
