TEAM NAMING: Bell and McNicholl back in the mix for first Aussie away game of 2025

14 May 2025

As the Crusaders hop across the ditch for their first away game on Australian soil in the 2025 competition, there are four changes in this week’s starting 15.

Plus, the exciting and long-awaited return of George Bell, who has recovered from a foot injury earlier than expected and will look to make an impact off the bench.

“It’s brilliant to have George back. We’ve been all over his rehab for the last six weeks, he’s made a massive recovery very quickly and it’s wonderful. The medics have done a great job,” says Head Coach Rob Penney.

For the first time this season, Will Jordan will not be starting at fullback, forced to the sideline with a medial ligament sprain – which is expected to only take a few weeks to come right.

This makes way for Johnny McNicholl to start at fullback; who is making his return from injury, getting his first start of the season, and is eyeing up his 50th Crusaders cap when he takes the field on Friday.

“Johnny’s been ready to go for about a month, we probably would have given him access earlier but our back three have been operating really efficiently together,” says Penney.

“Johnny is the ideal replacement for us and it’s as close as like for like with Will that we can get, we know he’s the right decision.”

Apart from McNicholl, the entire backline remains the same as last week.

Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana get the nod at 9 and 10, while Captain David Havili and Braydon Ennor will support at centre.

The fast Fijian pairing of Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki will start on the wings, as Reece says, “every Fijian always somehow ends up on the wing.”

The front row will see some fresh faces starting this week; Ioane Moananu will start at hooker, and Kershawl Sykes-Martin at tighthead prop. Tamaiti Williams will support the front row at loosehead.

Quinten Strange steps in for Scott Barrett at lock this week who has suffered a thumb sprain, paired with Antonio Shalfoon.

“Quin is back in the mix which is awesome. He’s been waiting patiently for his time and now he has an opportunity.”

There’s stability in the flanker positions as well with Cullen Grace and Tom Christie retaining their starting spots, while powerhouse Christian Lio-Willie completes the forward pack at Number 8.

Rob Penney says the team had a great review following the Chiefs match, the team is aligned and they’re ready for the Waratahs, who have had more success against the Crusaders than any other Australian team.

“We need to be good over there; the Waratahs are dangerous at home because they love the challenge of playing one of the best teams in the world and they consistently get up for that game. They’ve been massively difficult for any Crusaders team that’s played them, but we’re excited about that challenge.”

Kick-off is Friday 16 May, 9.35pm NZT.

Crusaders team to face the Waratahs: