The Crusaders head to Canberra this weekend as we climb into the last weeks of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
A combination of returning players and injury cover has made for a dynamic playing 23 with exciting changes in key positions.
Fergus Burke has returned to full strength and will start at 10. Levi Aumua has had a knee niggle for a few weeks and will be kept home as a precaution, meaning David Havili moves back into second five.
Scott Barrett remains sidelined with a back injury so we’re looking at Antonio Shalfoon, who debuted last week against the Highlanders, starting at lock alongside vice-captain Quin Strange.
Joe Moody will pull on the 1 jersey this week, the veteran ready to put in a big shift up front, while Jone Rova will start in the centre alongside Havili.
Codie Taylor captains the side, lining up alongside Fletcher Newell who rounds out the front row. Not bad front row replacements ready to run on – George Bell, George Bower and Seb Calder.
Tom Christie returns to the staring XV after some time sideline, joined by Cullen Grace and the force that is Christian Lio-Willie. Ethan Blackadder is still recovering from a thigh injury and was not selectable this week. Dom Gardiner sits on the bench, frothing to get some time on the paddock before the season wraps.
Noah Hotham will once again start at halfback, solidifying not only his experience but his claim on the 9 jersey. Mitch Drummond will no doubt get some second-half minutes off the pine.
Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki are running the wings looking strong and dangerous. Sevu last week became the competition’s top try scorer in 2024, while Chay is having one of his best seasons to date in the Crusaders jersey. Rivez Reihana and Macca Springer will insert huge energy should they take the field from 22 and 23.
Johnny McNicholl has been a revelation back in the colours this season, with quick hands and fantastic game awareness. He’s in the 15 jersey.
And so we go again, this time versus the Brumbies. It’s our last week on the road before we have back-to-back home games in Christchurch to close out the season.
Be sure to get your tickets to our fixtures versus the Blues and Moana Pasifika.
