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