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Volavola handed Crusaders start

By
Wednesday 6 Apr 2016

Coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the starting line-up that beat the Lions in Johannesburg in Round Six. This match ends a three week tour before they return home to Christchurch.

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The front row remains unchanged, although Ged Robinson will be the reserve hooker having replaced the injured Ben Funnell in the travelling squad.

Locks Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett have rotated, with Whitelock back in the starting spot. Loose forwards Jordan Taufua and Jimmy Tupou, and halfbacks Mitchell Drummond and Andy Ellis, have also rotated this week, with Taufua and Drummond starting at flank and scrumhalf respectively.

Sean Wainui steps into centre this week while Kieron Fonotia and Jone Macilai will be prepared to add some punch to the back line if they come off the bench.

Crusaders: 15 Ben Volavola, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Sean Wainui, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Jimmy Tupou, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Kieron Fonotia, 23 Jone Macilai.

Date: Friday, April 8

Venue: Perth

Kick-off: 19.00 AWST (11.00 GMT, 23.00 NZST)

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Graham Cooper (Australia)

TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)

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