Returning All Blacks strengthen Crusaders
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a full-strength team to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.
The starting side includes the return of three All Blacks for this game.
Scott Barrett, Richie Mo’unga and Kieran Read all return to line up against the Hurricanes, which means Quinten Strange and Brett Cameron shift to the reserves.
The return of Read sees Whetukamokamo Douglas move to the blindside, and Jordan Taufua takes Tom Sanders’ spot on the bench after Sanders dislocated his shoulder against the Waratahs last weekend.
The only other changes to the matchday 23 see Mitchell Drummond return to provide cover for Bryn Hall at scrumhalf and Oliver Jager set to play his first Super Rugby match of 2019.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Samuel Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Harry Allan.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Oli Jager, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Will Jordan.
Date: Friday, March 29
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Nick Hogan (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
