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James O'Connor earns first Crusaders start against Moana Pasifika
By Ned Lester
A number of returning players from injury and a new No. 10 headline the Crusaders’ team naming for Moana Pasifika this week.
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Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has the luxury of picking from a broader group for his round seven clash, despite losing halfback Kyle Preston for a week or two with a rib injury.
All Black Ethan Blackadder has returned for the match and will no doubt be tasked with trying to contain fellow All Black Ardie Savea, who returns for the Crusaders’ opponents.
Jamie Hannah also makes his return from injury, as does Rivez Reihana, although the latter will have to wait to make his season debut as he’s been named on the bench. That’s because Wallaby James O’Connor has been called up for his first start on Crusaders colours.
“Starting James at 10 gives Taha a chance to pull out from leading the group. I’ve spoken regularly about his talent and his growth in a short space of time, we just want to make sure that we manage that, and make sure that should something untoward happen, we have some players at the ready that have had some time in the saddle… there’s a lot similarities between them. The beauty of those two is that they feed off each other,” Penney said.
Man of the Match for round six’s win over the Blues, hooker Ioane Moananu, has retained his starting spot, relegating Codie Taylor to the bench as the All Black returns from a minor injury that ruled him out a week ago.
Tamaiti Williams will likely see a shorter spell on the field this week after being named on the bench as well. George Bower takes his place in the starting team.
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Fletcher Anderson’s inclusion is another notable change in the matchday 23, with the 22-year-old named to start opposite Savea in the No. 8 jersey.
Sevu Reece has been given a rest, but there’ll be no respite for Moana as Macca Springer comes into the starting team to replace him, having scored six tries in 102 minutes of game time this season.
Crusaders team to face Moana Pasifika:
- George Bower
- Ioane Moananu
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Jamie Hannah
- Cullen Grace
- Ethan Blackadder
- Fletcher Anderson
- Noah Hotham
- James O’Connor
- Macca Springer
- (C) David Havili
- Dallas McLeod
- Chay Fihaki
- (VC) Will Jordan
Impact
- (VC) Codie Taylor
- Tamaiti Williams
- Seb Calder
- Quinten Strange
- Xavier Saifoloi
- Mitch Drummond
- Rivez Reihana
- Levi Aumua
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Regarding the Crusaders side . Great to see promising young lock Jamie Hannah back in the starting team. He has certainly been through the mill since debuting for the Crusaders, even before playing for Canterbury. All his hard work has paid off. Antonio Shalfoon , who has been rested for this match has been amazing locking with AB captain Scott Barrett. I really rate Jamie Hannah as one of the best young locks of which there are a few coming through. Including his Canterbury and Crusaders team mate Liam Jack. Father is Graham Jack ,he played for Canterbury and the Crusaders in the 1990’s. Older brother of Chris, who of course was an All Black.
James O’Connor deserves this start for the Crusaders at first-five.He has played well off the bench.
I think the selection of James in the Crusaders squad was a great choice by the selectors.His goal kicking has been accurate too.Looking forward to being there and watching his first Super start for the Crusaders.James has looked classy. Also pleased Rivez Reihana is back from injury and on the Crusaders bench.
Hopefully he shows the same class as when he came off the bench.
He is a vastly experienced and classy player and I don’t see him having any problem running the cutter. Crusaders have real depth in a number of positions and even with the changes should comfortably dispose of Moana. Can’t see them slacken off like Chiefs did.