Team Named to face the Reds

05 Mar 2025

Head Coach Rob Penney has gone for consistency this week and has made only two changes to the starting line up to face the Reds on Sunday afternoon at 3.35pm at Apollo Projects Stadium.

One of those changes is Codie Taylor, who has returned for his first game of the 2025 season after a hamstring injury.

“They’ve been managing me quite well here and I’m feeling good now and ready to get back out there,” says Taylor.

“Me and the assult bike have become best friends over the last couple of weeks and I’m quite happy I can hopefully say goodbye to him for a wee while.”

The formidable forward pack of Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell will complete the front row.

Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon are again paired at lock, while Cullen Grace will start at blindside and Christian Lio-Willie at number 8.

The young duo of Kyle Preston and Taha Kemara will take the 90 and 10 jerseys respectively again this week.

Captain David Havili will accompany the only other change to the starting line-up – with Dallas McLeod getting the nod at centre.

Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki will again start on the wings, with Will Jordan completing the backline at fullback.

All eyes will be on impact first-five James O’Connor, playing his old teammates at the Reds.

“They’re coming off two good wins, they’ll be full of confidence, and they’ll be coming here to do a job,” O’Connor says.

He’s also looking forward to another exciting match up after an action packed first few rounds of Super Rugby Pacific.

“Everyone is talking about how high scoring the competition is, it’s because they’re speeding the game up, there’s more fatigue out there, even for me as a goal kicker, I’m still getting my breath and I’m getting the 10-second call to kick the ball.”

“I’m enjoying it, there’s more attacking pictures and for the fans it must be pretty cool to watch.”

Head Coach Rob Penney is looking forward to an earlier game time this week.

“Afternoon footy is so exciting for fans to get out and get in the sun and watch it live – it's fabulous for families to get out and enjoy an afternoon at their favourite sport.”

We’re really excited about the fact there is going to be some young fans get down to the ground and cheer us on, the Crusaders love the support they get, and it’ll be awesome to have a lot of people there on Sunday.”