Game Preview: Crusaders vs Reds in Christchurch

It’s Provincial Round in Christchurch and our boys are taking on the Queensland Reds. We’re kicking off early this week, 4.35pm on Saturday 4 May at Apollo Projects Stadium. Every game is crucial at this stage of the competition, every point earned and needed.

The Reds sit sixth on the table, the Crusaders currently 10th. The Aussies will be looking to retain their position in the top eight as we enter the last five weeks of the season, while the Crusaders continue their fight back from the bottom. It’s gutsy stuff and the team needs you in the stands more than ever – get your tickets now. 

Key team news

It’s only fitting Leigh Halfpenny debuts in front of the fans who’ve waited so long to see what he can do. The Welsh legend will finally take the field on Saturday starting at fullback. Can’t wait to see what this guy can do.

As a result Johnny McNicholl has shifted to the right wing, Sevu to the left.

David Havili will start at 10 – a position he’s expected to occupy for some time. 

Last time we met

We’ve won our last 12 matches versus the Reds, including of course our last outing over the ditch in Round 6 of the 2023 competition, beating them 25-12. Yes, it was a win but the team expected more of themselves. They’ll be channelling that energy this week looking to redeem their own expectations.

While the ledger is in our favour, fans will surely remember that 2011 final. We’d suffered earthquakes, while Queensland was hit by unprecedented flooding – it was a tender time. We met in the final after having all our games away from home and the Reds got the better of us through a runaway Will Genia try. It was a tight 18-13 victory to the Reds 

Key match ups

Christian Lio Willie scored four tries in his last four matches, and will square off against seasoned Wallaby Harry Wilson in the number 8 jersey. Wilson’s been huge in collisions so far this season with 44 carries.

Cullen Grace comes off his 50th appearance last week to face Liam Wright, Reds captain. They both hold huge space in their respective teams, and will put in a shift. 

You might recognise Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen from his 115 caps for the Hurricanes, the 2023 season his first with the Reds. The prop will look across the front row at Fletcher Newell, who put together a stellar performance against the Rebels last week.

Leigh Halfpenny has a rugby CV like few others in the game. Third highest point scorer in Wales history over 101 caps, he now starts at fullback for the Crusaders. He comes up against Jock Campbell, a Reds veteran nearing 75 caps for the Queensland side.

Tim Ryan scored three tries for the Reds last week in their last-gasp loss to the Blues at Suncorp. And it was his starting debut. And he’s 20. The right winger will face off with Johnny McNicholl in his opposite jersey, a man who has lit up the field since re-joining the red and black with runaway and intercept tries. 

Key info 

Kick off: 4.35pm (NZT) 

Referee: Jordan Way 

Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey