Crusaders v Blues Team Naming
The Crusaders play in their heritage jersey this week, throwing it back to ‘98/’99. The boys head to Auckland for Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific 2024 to face the blues on Saturday 23 March.
It’s a rematch of the ’98 final when the Crusaders won their first title over the two-time champion Blues. It may have been a shock win, but it was the start of a dynasty and a story that has come to define excellence and rugby culture in New Zealand.
Matatū face the Blues earlier in the night, making for an epic double-header and a showcase of the North versus South rugby rivalry.
David Havili returns as captain for the Saturday night clash. He would’ve been four years old when the Crusaders last played in this jersey, no doubt watching the ‘Saders from the family living room in Nelson.
He’s joined in the centre by Levi Aumua who is looking hungry for ball in hand. Both will be looking to cut their way through the Blues defence in the Garden of Eden.
Chay Fihaki is making the fullback position his own this season and starts once again. Willi Heinz pulls on the 9 jersey ready to feed seed to Riley Hohepa who’s back at 10.
Macca Springer and Sevu Reece take the wings once again. Reece sits near the top of the competition’s try scoring leaderboard after scoring four tries in five matches. Macca’s scored five tries in 12 matches in the red and black, ready to make history in the heritage jersey this weekend.
Our starting front row remains unchanged with George Bower, George Bell and Fletcher Newell. Joe Moody and Seb Calder stand in the wings as replacement props, with Ioane Moananu locked in as replacement hooker.
We’re looking at an unchanged forward pack from here. Quin Strange and Jamie Hannah start at lock, while Dom Gardiner, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace start at loose forward.
Tahlor Cahill and Corey Kellow will be chomping to get off the bench and onto the grass up front. Noah Hotham returns from a few weeks off the 23 to replace Willi when needed, while Ryan Crotty and Dallas McLeod will pull on the throw-back jersey the first chance they get.
Team List: Crusaders v Blues 23
