The Crusaders have named a strong side as they prepare to host the Blues in a top of the table Super Rugby Aotearoa clash on Saturday night. There are just a few changes to the side that picked up a bonus-point win over the Highlanders last weekend.
Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson will be feeling confident heading into the match, despite the Blues showing great form so far in the competition.
Heading in to the bye next week, the Crusaders have an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the standings table in Super Rugby Aotearoa, while a Blues win on Saturday night would see them overtake the home side at the halfway point in the competition.
Ethan Blackadder sustained a knee injury at training last week and was ruled out of the match in Dunedin. His replacements, Sione Havili and Tom Sanders, will rotate this week, with Sanders to start and Havili named on the bench. The rest of the forward pack is unchanged.
In the backs, Bryn Hall and Mitch Drummond provide a dynamic 1-2 combination at halfback, with Hall to start and Drummond named in the reserves. There is also a reshuffle in the outside backs, with Leicester Faingaanuku replaced by George Bridge on the left wing, and Sevu Reece earning a start on the right wing. The in-form Will Jordan is set to provide impact off the bench.
Kick off against the Blues is 7:05 pm (NZ), Saturday 11 July at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Crusaders team to play the Blues:
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor (C)
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Samuel Whitelock
5. Mitchell Dunshea
6. Tom Sanders
7. Tom Christie
8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC)
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. Jack Goodhue
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. David Havili (VC)
RESERVES:
16. Andrew Makalio
17. George Bower
18. Oliver Jager
19. Quinten Strange
20. Sione Havili
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Fetuli Paea
23. Will Jordan
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