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The Crusaders are preparing for their rescheduled Round 2 match against the Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon, and Head Coach Scott Robertson has made few changes to the side, following their Round 1 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Both Vice-Captain David Havili, and outside back Will Jordan, return to the side this week from injury, with Havili to start at fullback and Jordan taking a spot on the bench. The only other change to the side sees a switch at halfback, with Mitchell Drummond named to start in his 95th appearance for the club, and Bryn Hall moving to the reserves for his 98th Super Rugby cap.
Young backs Leicester Fainga'anuku and Dallas McLeod have retained their spots in the starting team, and Robertson told media in Christchurch this morning that both players are deserving of another opportunity this week: "Leicester, every time he's had an opportunity for us he's been exceptional. He's a genuine power wing, he's someone that always will break the first tackle or bring three, four defenders in...." Robertson said.
"[Dallas] took his opportunity, now he gets another one, gets a bit of continuity. He's been patient, it's a hard team to crack, so when you get your opportunity you want to take it." Kick off in the Crusaders game against the Hurricanes is 4:35pm, Sunday 7 March, at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch. The match will be televised live on Sky Sport.
Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:
1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor (VC) 3. Michael Alaalatoa 4. Scott Barrett (C) 5. Samuel Whitelock 6. Ethan Blackadder 7. Tom Christie 8. Cullen Grace 9. Mitchell Drummond 10. Richie Mo'unga 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku 12. Dallas McLeod 13. Jack Goodhue 14. Sevu Reece 15. David Havili (VC)
RESERVES:
16. Brodie McAlister 17. George Bower 18. Fletcher Newell 19. Quinten Strange 20. Sione Havili Talitui 21. Bryn Hall 22. Fergus Burke 23. Will Jordan
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It is important we all continue to do our part to ensure the wellbeing of everyone attending the game this weekend, so please be prepared to scan in to the event using the QR code for the COVID-19 Tracer App, use the hand sanitiser provided at the venue, and please stay away if you are feeling unwell. |