Two big names missing from Crusaders team
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are just two changes to the Crusaders side that will face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
Scott Barrett has been rested this week, Quinten Strange will start, and Luke Romano has been named on the bench.
The only other change sees Brett Cameron come in at flyhalf in place of Richie Mo’unga. Mitchell Hunt has recovered from his concussion to provide cover for Cameron in the reserves.
This will be Owen Franks’ 150th game for the Crusaders (149th Super Rugby game).
Both teams will walk side-by-side on to Sydney Cricket Ground, and form one circle to observe a moment’s silence for all those affected by last Friday’s tragic events in Christchurch.
“This tragedy has rocked our community, and we really feel for all those affected by the events of last Friday in Christchurch. Our hearts go out to people across our city, our region, and our country who are grieving right now and we’re grateful for the opportunity to pay our respects before the game. We’ll certainly be playing for our community on Saturday night,” Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said.
As we travel to Sydney for our match v @NSWWaratahs our thoughts are with our Christchurch community. We are sending our love to everyone affected, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters. This Saturday night we will be playing for you and our wider Crusaders region ❤️ pic.twitter.com/CCfE1QG24N
— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) March 21, 2019
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty (captain), 11 George Bridge, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Ere Enari, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan.
Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.45 (08.45 GMT; 21.45 NZ time)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Egon Seconds (South Africa), Paul Williams (Japan)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)
