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Crusaders name fourth captain of the season against Chiefs
By Ned Lester
2024 has been anything but smooth sailing for the Crusaders, but if there was a time and place to snap a record-losing streak and kickstart a season renaissance, at home against the Chiefs would be it.
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This week, halfback Mitch Drummond will don the captain’s armband as the fourth player to lead the defending champs this season; following Scott Barrett, David Havili and Tom Christie.
There’s plenty of pressure on the stalwart nine to inspire a performance against the Chiefs, with his side still in search of their first win of the post-Scott Robertson era.
“I’ve had the opportunity to lead the team out twice before,” Drummond said. “Once was in my 100th game and once was when I was Crusader for the Day when I was five years old, so for it to go full circle like that, it’s pretty awesome.”
Drummond will be joined in the halves by last week’s Crusaders Man of the Match Riley Hohepa, while Rivez Reihana will return to action off the bench.
Some experience has been injected into the backline in the form of returning outside back Johnny McNicholl, who will start on the left wing with youngster Macca Springer moved to the bench.
In the absence of David Havili, fellow All Black midfielder Dallas McLeod will start in the No. 12 jersey and partner Levi Aumua.
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Having impressed off the bench against the Blues, flanker Corey Kellow gets an opportunity in the starting XV, replacing Dominic Gardiner in the No. 6 jersey. Gardiner will look to provide impact as the reserve lock.
“We’re focused on Friday night, it’s a new opportunity and we’re digging deep,” said under-pressure Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney.
“We’ve got a really good group here, we’ve got trust in them and our job as coaches is to provide confidence for them and the belief that they can get the job done.”
Crusaders team to face the Chiefs
1. George Bower
2. George Bell
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Quinten Strange
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Corey Kellow
7. Tom Christie
8. Cullen Grace
9. Mitch Drummond
10. Riley Hohepa
11. Johnny McNicholl
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Levi Aumua
14. Sevu Reece
15. Chay Fihaki
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RESERVES:
16. James Mullen
17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
18. Owen Franks
19. Dominic Gardiner
20. Fletcher Anderson
21. Noah Hotham
21. Rivez Reihana
23. Macca Springer
