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Ex-Wallaby James O’Connor named in Crusaders’ reserves for Blues clash

109 days ago

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Former Queensland Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor joins multiple All Blacks in the Crusaders’ side to take on the Blues in Kirwee on Friday afternoon. O’Connor has been named to come off the pine in the team’s first pre-season match of the year.

All Blacks backrower Ethan Blackadder will captain the star-studded side that features other capped New Zealand internationals such as Cullen Grace, Noah Hotham, Dallas McLeod, George Bower, George Bell and Mitchell Drummond.

Blackadder will pack down in a formidable loose forwards trio that includes Grace and Corey Kellow. Tahlor Cahill joins Antonio Shalfoon in the middle row, while Finlay Brewis, Ioane Moananu and Seb Calder round out the starting pack as the three front rowers.

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One-Test All Black Hotham joins first five-eighth Taha Kemara in the halves, while McLeod and powerhouse centre Levi Aumua will link up in the midfield. Former New Zealand U20 winger Macca Springer and Chay Fihaki will line up on the left and right wings respectively.

Isaac Hutchinson, who received Canterbury’s Rookie of the Year in 2024 after a strong National Provincial Championship campaign, has been named as the starting fullback for the intriguing clash between two rival teams in front of more than 3,000 supporters.

Rookie Xavier Saifoloi, the Crusaders’ Bronco ‘winner’ Kyle Preston, and James O’Connor are among an impressive group of players who will look to make their mark after being named to provide impact off the bench.

As for the Blues, they’ve named a team for each half ahead of the clash which kicks off at 3:00 pm. Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, captain Harry Plummer and fullback Zarn Sullivan headline the side for the first half.

After the break, Kurt Eklund, Sam Nock, Rico Simpson, Xavi Taele and Cole Forbes will line up as they look to seize their opportunity. Seven players have been named as replacement options for either half.

This match will feature 20-minute quarters and rolling substitutions.

Crusaders to take on Blues at Kirwee Rugby Club

Finlay Brewis
Ioane Moananu
Seb Calder
Tahlor Cahill
Antonio Shalfoon
Cullen Grace
Ethan Blackadder (c)
Corey Kellow
Noah Hotham
Taha Kemara
Macca Springer
Dallas McLeod
Levi Aumua
Chay Fihaki
Isaac Hutchinson

Reserves

George Bower, George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Hunter Morrison, Liam Jack, Xavier Saifoloi, Tom Christie, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, James Cameron, Toby Bell, Nic Sauira, Maloni Kunawave, Harry Inch, Mitchell Drummond, Gus Brown, Eli Oudenryn, Sam Matenga, Campbell Parata

Comments

3 Comments

JW 109 days ago

Coverage where you are Finn?

I'm looking forward to seeing Preston at a higher level. No idea what that blokes been doing but I thought he was class when I saw him in the NPC last season and reckon he could easily take over the 9 jersey this year given that despite him not playing much rugby I do think he looks every bit as calm and composed as the 26yo that he is.

GP 106 days ago

I was at the game and I thought Kyle Preston was classy in his time on the field. He will add a lot to the Crusaders. I also thought James O'Connor who the article was about made a big difference when he came on for the last 2 Quarters.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 6 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 6 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 6 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 6 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍