Team Naming: First Home Game for 2024
The Crusaders have named their team to take on the Hurricanes on Friday 15 March in their first home game of the 2024 season.
Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific is an all-NZ derby at Apollo Projects Stadium, kick off 7.05pm
David Havili takes over as Captain for this one, Scott Barrett sidelined for six weeks with a fractured finger, and will start in the centre. He’s joined by Levi Aumua who continues to impress with his ball carrying.
Zach Gallagher returns from injury and starts beside fellow lock Quinten Stange. The front row remains unchanged in George Bower, George Bell and Fletcher Newell.
Dom Gardiner, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace are your loosies for this clash, looking to build off their experience this season so far.
Willi Heinz starts at halfback bringing wisdom and safe hands, looking to feed quality ball to Riley Hohepa who starts at 10 in his second cap for the red and black.
Macca Springer didn’t travel to steamy Lautoka and is primed and ready to run metres down the left wing, Sevu Reece in a similar position on the right. He’s scored 50 tries in 62 appearances in Super Rugby, how many will he add in his 63rd?
Chay Fihaki is solid in fullback. He was named Man of the Match in Round 1, the man’s confidence second only to his skillset.
We’re looking at a replacement front row of Ioane Moananu, Finlay Brewis and Owen Franks. Jamie Hannah is setting records for getting across the gainline, and Tahlor Cahill is set to earn his second cap after debuting in Fiji.
Mitch Drummond will slot in when called upon, as will the vast experience of Ryan Crotty and Dallas McLeod.
It’s set to be a showstopper in Christchurch, our first home game of the season. A full stand makes us stronger so show your support for the boys and get down to Apollo Projects Stadium on Friday – gates open 5.30pm.
Korero e Hono ana
