Jordan, Havili, Newell Return for Qualifying Final v Reds
It’s playoffs time, and this week marks the first week of the three-week Finals series.
We are hosting the Reds at Apollo Projects Stadium this Friday June 6, as we start our finals campaign.
"There is always pressure around finals games but there is a huge amount of excitement to be here and be playing at home this week,” says Will Jordan.
Three All Blacks are back in the mix this week, including captain David Havili at centre, alongside Braydon Ennor.
They are two of 10 All Blacks in the starting lineup this week.
"This is a strong team, and I can't wait to unleash them come Friday," says Head Coach Rob Penney.
Will Jordan also returns from injury at fullback.
The dynamic duo of Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki will start on the wings, while Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana will continue to impress in the 9/10 combination.
In the forwards, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor will line up in the front row alongside Fletcher Newell, who is back starting at tighthead after a few weeks sidelined with an achilles injury.
Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon will be paired at lock, while Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie will start in the flanker positions.
Christian Lio-Willie has cemented his starting spot at Number 8 with back-to-back strong performances all season.
The Crusaders have never lost a playoff match at home, but Rob Penney says history counts for nothing.
"We do have a great playoff history at home, but this is a different season, and we need to show up this week,” says Penney.
Kickoff is 7.05pm on Friday June 6. Get your tickets here.
Crusaders team to face the Reds:
- Tamaiti Williams
- (VC) Codie Taylor
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Ethan Blackadder
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Noah Hotham
- Rivez Reihana
- Sevu Reece
- (C) David Havili
- Braydon Ennor
- Chay Fihaki
- Will Jordan
Impact
- George Bell
- George Bower
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin
- Jamie Hannah
- Cullen Grace
- Kyle Preston
- James O'Connor
- Johnny McNicholl
Players unavailable for selection due to injury:
Finaly BREWIS Shoulder (surgery)
Out for the season
Taha Kemara Knee (surgery)
Out for the season
Dom GARDINER Foot (surgery)
Out for the season
