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Crusaders reveal Scott Barrett injury, name team to face top dog Hurricanes

Sevu Reece of the Crusaders. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The Crusaders are reeling after suffering their third straight loss to start the Super Rugby Pacific season and will be without their captain Scott Barrett for six weeks thanks to a fractured finger.

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The injury list for the team already includes All Blacks Tamaiti Williams, Ethan Blackadder, and Braydon Ennor in addition to absences from Codie Taylor, Fergus Burke and Leigh Halfpenny. Will Jordan was ruled out of the season entirely.

There were plenty of potential changes new coach Rob Penney could make, with promising youngsters fighting for promotion and experienced All Blacks capable of moving around as the team continues to deal with the injuries.

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A familiar front row in George Bower, George Bell and Fletcher Newell will be put to the test against a powerful Hurricanes unit at scrum time, backed up by Quinten Strange and Zach Gallagher in the second row.

The loose forwards feature young Dominic Gardiner, tackle machine Tom Christie and one-time All Black Cullen Grace.

Willi Heinz returns to the starting unit at halfback, partnering with Riley Hohepa who steps in for his first Crusaders start.

Penney will be looking to David Havili to bring composure to what has been an uncharacteristically shaky backline, with the All Black named at 12 inside new import Levi Aumua.

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The back three sees Macca Springer, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki bring finishing prowess out wide.

There’s no sign of recent signing Johnny McNiccholl just yet, but the Welsh international fullback has touched down in Christchurch ahead of the team’s first home game of the season on Friday night.

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Crusaders team to face Hurricanes

  1. George bower
  2. George Bell
  3. Fletcher Newell
  4. Quinten Strange
  5. Zach Gallagher
  6. Dominic Gardiner
  7. Tom Christie
  8. Cullen Grace
  9. Willie Heinz
  10. Riley Hohepa
  11. Macca Springer
  12. David Havili
  13. Levi Aumua
  14. Sevu Reece
  15. Chay Fihaki

Reserves

16. Ioane Moananu
17. Finlay Brewis
18. Owen Franks
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Tahlor Cahill
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Ryan Crotty
23. Dallas McLeod

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H
Hellhound 5 hours ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

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