Havili gets Crusaders' No.10 jersey
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his side for the highly-anticipated Round Two clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The team which includes the return of All Black prop Joe Moody and wing George Bridge for the first time in 2020.
Codie Taylor and Sevu Reece have also been named to start this week, while captain Scott Barrett and the midfield combination of Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor, remain from last week’s run-on team. Forwards Tom Christie and Cullen Grace also retain their spots in the matchday 23 following impressive debuts in Round One.
There is a reshuffle in the backline which sees David Havili start at flyhalf this week in the absence of Richie Mo’unga, who will sit out this fixture as he recovers from minor knee and groin strains.
Will Jordan moves to fullback as a result, and Sevu Reece will line up on the right wing.
Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 David Havili, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Whetukamkamo Douglas, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oliver Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Cullen Grace, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Leicester Faingaanuku.
Date: Saturday, February 8
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.05 (06.05 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
