News

The BNZ Crusaders will host the Blues on Saturday night, in the last round of the regular season before the playoffs next week.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has named a side which features six changes to the starting line-up, from the team that took the field against the Highlanders on Friday night. 

Of the four changes in the forwards, the BNZ Crusaders welcome the return of prop Tim Perry from the hamstring injury he sustained prior to the June break. At tighthead, Michael Alaalatoa moves from the bench to the starting side for this game. 

Quinten Strange will partner Captain Sam Whitelock at lock, with Scott Barrett rested this week. In the loose forwards, Jordan Taufua will start in the No. 6 jersey, and Pete Samu comes in to the reserves. 

The only changes in the backs will see Mitchell Drummond wear the No. 9 jersey this week and Bryn Hall take a spot on the bench. David Havili will also sit out this game, and has been replaced at fullback by Israel Dagg. 

On the reserves bench, Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather joins the squad and could earn his first Crusaders cap this week. Anderson-Heather will provide cover for Andrew Makalio in the absence of Codie Taylor, who is another All Black rested for this match. 

Kick off is 7:35pm, Saturday 14 July, at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

BNZ Crusaders team to play the Blues:

Tickets for all of the BNZ Crusaders 2018 Investec Super Rugby games are available via www.ticketdirect.co.nz, or at one of Ticket Direct's official outlets. Please avoid purchasing tickets through resale sites such as Viagogo, as these tickets won't be accepted at the stadium.