Crusaders back young players as host of All Blacks rested for Waratahs clash

Following their bonus point win over the Melbourne Rebels in last weekend’s Super Round, the Crusaders have now travelled to Sydney where they are preparing to play the Waratahs on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has made a number of changes to his side, with All Blacks Ethan Blackadder, Richie Mo’unga, Braydon Ennor and George Bridge all to sit out the Waratahs match.

Meanwhile, David Havili and Will Jordan both return from a week off and several players are in line to get an opportunity off the bench in Sydney.

Siya Kolisi joins RugbyPass Offload

Siya Kolisi joins RugbyPass Offload

We’re joined by Springbok royalty, Siya Kolisi, who discusses his incredible journey to becoming one of the most iconic players the sport has ever seen. Siya discusses his career journey both on and off the pitch including – altercations off the filed, the genius of Rassie Erasmus as a coach and selector, URC vs super rugby, the possibility of moving to play in Europe, his thoughts on Boks joining six nations, resetting rugby pathway, an incredible impromptu supper with Gerald Buttler, Drinks with Jurgen Klopp & Roc Nations positive influence on rugby.

Tom Christie’s inclusion in the run-on side is the only change to the forward pack this week, while Bryn Hall and Fergus Burke are the starting 9-10 combination.

Havili and Jordan resume their roles at second five-eighth and fullback respectively, with Havili’s injection in the midfield meaning Jack Goodhue will move to Centre, following his impressive return from injury against the Rebels.

The Crusaders will also welcome back Sione Havili Talitui from injury to face the Waratahs, with the Mako loose forward to make his return via the bench.

Meanwhile Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Simon Hickey and Dallas McLeod will all get game time this week, having also been named in the reserves.

Kick off in the Crusaders match against the Waratahs is 7:05pm NZT, Saturday 30th April at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney. The match will be televised live on Sky Sport.

Crusaders team to play the Waratahs:

1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor (C)
3. Oli Jager
4. Zach Gallagher
5. Sam Whitelock (VC)
6. Pablo Matera
7. Tom Christie
8. Cullen Grace
9. Bryn Hall
10. Fergus Burke
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. David Havili (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will Jordan

RESERVES:
16. Ricky Jackson
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Dominic Gardiner
20. Sione Havili Talitui
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22. Simon Hickey
23. Dallas McLeod

-Press Release/Crusaders