Whitelock back to lead powerful Crusaders at Newlands
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his side for their Round 14 fixture against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
Robertson has made three changes to the side that ran in seven tries in their bonus point win over the Bulls.
In the front row, Joe Moody will be rested this week, allowing a leg wound he sustained against the Bulls, to heal. George Bower will start at loosehead prop and Harry Allan provides cover in the reserves.
Sam Whitelock returns to captain the side against the Stormers, having re-joined the squad in Cape Town earlier this week.
The final change to the side sees Ethan Blackadder get an opportunity to start on the blindside, with Jordan Taufua shifting to the bench.
The Crusaders’ backline remains unchanged from last weekend’s game, including man of the match Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf and right wing Sevu Reece, who ran in three tries against the Bulls last week.
Set the alarm! It’s a 3.15am game early Sunday morning for fans back home as we take on the @THESTORMERS on Saturday night in South Africa. Here’s our team for the first clash on their turf since 2013 #STOvCRU pic.twitter.com/7UukUpi3Jg
— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) May 16, 2019
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitch Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor.
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT; 03.15 NZ time Sunday, May 19)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
