Crusaders boosted by the return of two All Blacks for Southern Derby

The Crusaders have been boosted by the return of two All Blacks in the front row as they look to put a disappointing 33-28 loss to the Reds behind them.

Tamaiti Williams has been named at loosehead prop, while Codie Taylor returns at hooker from his non-playing sabbatical. Fletcher Newell will start at tighthead to complete the front row.

Williams hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in round one and his return is a timely boost for the under siege Crusaders.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Highlanders

32 - 29

Full-time

Crusaders

All Stats and Data

“Fabulous,” Rob Penney said on Wednesday.

“They’re both great Crusaders and quality players and people. They add huge value when they’re around and will add bounce and buoyancy which is great for us at the moment.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

24 - 20

29 - 34

10 - 43

46 - 10

43 - 20

33 - 48

19 - 35

10 - 43

25 - 22

24 - 31

1

Wins

4

4

Streak

1

16

Tries Scored

24

-55

Points Difference

42

3/5

First Try

4/5

4/5

First Points

4/5

3/5

Race To 10 Points

5/5

In another boost, captain Scott Barrett has been named despite leaving the field after 13 minutes last week with back spasms. He will partner Quinten Strange in the second row to form a strong tight five unit.

There is no sign of Ethan Blackadder however who suffered a thigh injury in training. Corey Kellow has been named at openside, with Cullen Grace on the blind and Christian Lio-Willie at No.8.

The David Havili experiment at first five will continue but after making his Super Rugby debut last week, Welsh international Leigh Halfpenny has dropped out of the side with another capped Wales player in Johnny McNicholl taking his place.

Chay Fihaki moves to the right wing while Sevu Reece continues his change to the left.

“Irrelevant of where teams are on the table, the Southern Derby is a massive occasion for both sides,” Penney said.

“It’s a long and deeply held tradition this game and it’s something we’ll do justice to.”

Crusaders team to play Highlanders:

1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Codie Taylor
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Quinten Strange
6. Cullen Grace
7. Corey Kellow
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. David Havili
11. Sevu Reece
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Levi Aumua
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Johnny McNicholl

Reserves

16. George Bell
17. George Bower
18. Owen Franks
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Tom Christie
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Macca Springer