Crusaders still without All Blacks duo
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has reshuffled his loose forwards and midfield ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Chiefs.
Prop Joe Moody returns, joining Codie Taylor and Michael Alaalatoa in the front row. Wyatt Crockett, in his 200th Crusaders game, will provide cover on the bench.
Scott Barrett is set to play his 50th Crusaders game on Saturday and will line up alongside Quinten Strange at lock. Matt Todd will again resume the captaincy this week.
Jordan Taufua – who was a late withdrawal last week due to a tight calf – will line up at No.8, which means Heiden Bedwell-Curtis moves to blindside flank. Ethan Blackadder will provide cover on the bench, in place of Pete Samu.
The Crusaders are still without Ryan Crotty and Samuel Whitelock. Both are still recovering from concussions.
Tim Bateman has been replaced in the midfield this week due to a hamstring injury, with Jack Goodhue to start at inside centre and Seta Tamanivalu moving in-field to centre. Following his successful return to club rugby last weekend, Israel Dagg takes a spot on the right wing.
This week the Crusaders will also welcome back winger Jone Macilai, to the matchday side. Macilai makes a successful return from injury and will wear the No.23 jersey.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17Wyatt Crockett, 18 Donald Brighouse, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Jone Macilai.
Date: Saturday, June 2
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Richard Kelly (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
Check out the latest episode of Late Tackle!
