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Crusaders make one starting change as they search for first win of season
By Finn Morton
All Blacks centre David Havili will captain the Crusaders again this week when they take on arch-rivals the Blues at Eden Park, with both sides set to rock out in heritage jerseys for the Kiwi derby.
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Coach Rob Penney has made just the one change to the side that went down swinging in a thriller with the still-undefeated Hurricane last week with lock Jamie Hannah also coming into the First XV.
Joining All Black Fletcher Newell in the front row are the reliable duo of George Bower and George Bell, while Quinten Strange and Jamie Hannah round out the Crusaders’ tight five.
Dominic Gardiner, the always-running Tom Christie will take a place on the flanks while in-form backrower Cullen Grace is set to line up at No. 8 once again.
Willi Heinz starts at halfback for the third week on the bounce and will partner Riley Hohepa who started his first match for the Crusaders less than one week ago.
Captain David Havili joins Levi Aumua in the midfield, while Macca Springer, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki make up a familiar outside backs combination.
There’s plenty of flair on the bench as well with coach Penney selecting an exciting mix of experience and youth.
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Among the veterans, Joe Moody and Ryan Crotty will look to make an impact off the pine while youngsters Noah Hotham and Dallas McLeod will hope to do the same.
The Crusaders are winless from four matches to start the season for the first time in team history. Only time will tell as to whether this is the team that can break their winless run.
This New Zealand derby will get underway at 7.05 pm NZT at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.
*Amendment
Tamaiti Williams is not back for the Crusaders this week. There was initially an error with the team’s media release.
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Crusaders team to take on Blues
- George Bower
- George Bell
- Fletcher Newell
- Quinten Strange
- Jamie Hannah
- Dominic Gardiner
- Tom Christie
- Cullen Grace
- Willi Heinz
- Riley Hohepa
- Macca Springer
- David Havili (c)
- Levi Aumua
- Sevu Reece
- Chay Fihaki
Reserves
- Ioane Moananu
- Joe Moody
- Seb Calder
- Tahlor Cahill
- Corey Kellow
- Noah Hotham
- Ryan Crotty
- Dallas McLeod
The Chiefs year for sure ,The real issue I see is replacing AB locks of real class , also we need 1st 5’s to start playing intelligent test style rugby,we have the replacements at half back thank god,The blues ex AB’s still need to learn how to tackle and not jersy pull, I am keen to see how Razor can build confidence into some untried young players showing some limited magic in the Super comp. There is a keen Ardy also showing the same energy levels - young AB possibly - Young lock step up will you please
David & anyone else need to take a step back & take a deep breathe Please remember the following 1 Players like Whitelock,Aaron Smith,Cody Taylor,B Barrett,& others are real talents & are not replaced easily.Like any team The Crusaders have to go through change,BUT if you take a look at Super Rugby this year,to date most astute fans can already pick a top five.The interesting aspect is 6 ,7 & 8th?Based on history,pedigree,& fully fit available personal then an 8th placed Crusaders could be a chance? BUT realistically it’s The Chiefs year.
Strange mixture of “retired” Crusaders and new boys not ready for Super. Caught out by their own shady recruitment and injuries. Still, the Blues are not looking that fluent so they have a chance.