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Sevu Reece returns to Crusaders starting line-up for Joe Moody's 100th appearance
By
Sam Smith
The Crusaders now have two games on the road in Super Rugby Aotearoa, and head coach Scott Robertson has named his side to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.
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Loosehead prop, Joe Moody, will lead the team out in what will be his 100th appearance for the club, becoming the 19th Crusader to notch up this milestone. He’ll be joined by Codie Taylor and Oliver Jager who complete the starting front row this week; Michael Alaalatoa will provide tighthead cover in the reserves.
In the loose forwards, in-form Ethan Blackadder will sit out this weekend’s match with a neck injury. The 26-year-old will be rested against the Hurricanes but is expected to be available next week.
Whetukamokamo Douglas will replace Blackadder at blindside flanker, and Tom Sanders makes his return from injury to take a spot on the bench.
In the backs, both Bryn Hall and Sevu Reece return to the starting side. The return of Reece sees George Bridge move back to his familiar spot on the left wing, and Leicester Fainga’anuku will provide impact from the bench.
The final change sees Dallas McLeod join the matchday side, in place of Fergus Burke.
Moody will honour his late father, Tony, at his milestone match this weekend, by auctioning his 100-game jersey to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand.
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Robertson acknowledged Moody as “world-class” when speaking to media this morning about his milestone week: “For him [Joe] to become the 19th centurion in the Crusaders is pretty special for him, and [it’s] obviously a special week…with what’s happening with the jersey and remembering his father, so there’s a little bit of emotion around it and so there should be, he’s a proud Crusader.”
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili Talitui, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Oli Jager, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Mitchell Dunshea, Tom Sanders, Mitch Drummond, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga’anuku.
– Crusaders Rugby
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