Havili takes centre stage for Crusaders against Chiefs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders are back at home again on Saturday, where they will host the Chiefs in Round Three of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021.
Head coach Scott Robertson has made a handful of changes to the team this week, following their bonus-point victory over the Hurricanes, and it includes the return of Mitchell Dunshea and Whetukamokamo Douglas to the matchday 23.
In the front row, George Bower has replaced Joe Moody at loosehead prop, and in the loose forwards Sione Havili Talitui also moves from the reserves to the starting team this week. Ethan Blackadder is currently re-integrating into training following the head knock he sustained in the Hurricanes game.
There is a change in the midfield, with vice-captain David Havili moving in-field to inside centre, making way for Will Jordan to slot in at fullback. Dallas McLeod will provide cover on the bench.
Mitchell Dunshea and Whetukamokamo Douglas have been named in the reserves as lock and loose forward cover respectively, with both players having represented the Crusaders Development XV in recent weeks.
Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Mitchell Dunshea, 20 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Dallas McLeod.
Date: Saturday, March 13
Venue: Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.05 (06.05 GMT)
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill, Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Paul Williams
