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Crusaders welcome back Sam Whitelock as one of 11 All Blacks named to face Hurricanes

(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Super Rugby Aotearoa officially kicked off last week, and the Crusaders are set to play their first match of the competition after sitting out round one with a bye.

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Head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to travel to Wellington tomorrow ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash with the Hurricanes and, while it includes eight All Blacks in the starting side, the Crusaders will be without regular captain Scott Barrett.

26-year-old Barrett has been ruled out of this game with a foot injury, meaning hooker Codie Taylor has an opportunity to captain the side for the first time. Returning lock Sam Whitelock joins the starting line up alongside Mitch Dunshea.

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It is also a welcome return to play for vice-captain David Havili (abdominal surgery) and loose forward Ethan Blackadder (shoulder), who have both been named on the bench.

Robertson spoke to local media in Christchurch today and said the team is excited to prepare for a game this week after watching on last weekend: “It’s a great feeling to get into a game week and there’s a lot of excitement in the group…” he said.

“Your home games are really, really important and to win away is a big task so they’ll [Hurricanes] be protecting their patch and we’re excited to get up there.”

Kick off in the Crusaders match against the Hurricanes is 3:35pm, Sunday 21 June NZT at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

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Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:

1.   Joe Moody

2.   Codie Taylor (C)

3.   Michael Alaalatoa

4.   Samuel Whitelock

5.   Mitchell Dunshea

6.   Cullen Grace

7.   Billy Harmon

8.   Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC)

9.   Bryn Hall

10. Richie Mo’unga

11. George Bridge

12. Jack Goodhue

13. Braydon Ennor

14. Sevu Reece

15. Will Jordan

RESERVES:

16. Brodie McAlister

17. George Bower

18. Oliver Jager

19. Luke Romano

20. Ethan Blackadder

21. Mitchell Drummond

22. David Havili (VC)

23. Leicester Faingaanuku

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R
RedWarrior 46 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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