News
BNZ Crusaders team named for Farmlands Cup clash
- Details
- Published: 06 February 2019
Stars set to shine in Southbridge
The BNZ Crusaders will play their first match on home soil this week, when they take on the Highlanders at Southbridge Rugby Club on Friday night
The Farmlands Cup match will serve as both sides' final preparations, before the 2019 Investec Super Rugby campaign begins next week. The Crusaders made a pleasing start to their pre-season with a 34-19 win over the Hurricanes in Levin last Saturday.
BNZ Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson has named a squad of 27 for the match in Southbridge, including the much anticipated return of left wing George Bridge and second five-eighth Tim Bateman - who will both take the field for the first time this year.
"There's plenty for local fans in Southbridge to be excited about ahead of this game. We've named a team that is full of players our fans know and love, as well as some brilliant young talent who are set to light up Southbridge Rugby Club on Friday night," Robertson said.
"The Highlanders will bring plenty of star power of their own, so we're looking forward to having a vocal crowd behind us for this one."
Whetukamokamo Douglas will Captain the side, supported by halfbacks Mitchell Drummond and Bryn Hall as Vice-Captains.
Kick off in the BNZ Crusaders v Highlanders Farmlands Cup match is 6pm, Friday 8 February, at Southbridge Rugby Club. Tickets are still available via Ticket Rocket and can also be purchased at the gate. For a map of both the venue and the traffic management plan, including parking, please click here.
BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:
1. Tim Perry
2. Ben Funnell
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Luke Romano
5. Quinten Strange
6. Jordan Taufua
7. Billy Harmon
8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (C)
9. Mitchell Drummond (VC)
10. Mitchell Hunt
11. George Bridge
12. Tim Bateman
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Manasa Mataele
15. David Havili
REPLACEMENTS
Harry Allan
Andrew Makalio
George Bower
Mitchell Dunshea
Ethan Blackadder
Tom Sanders
Bryn Hall (VC)
Ereatara Enari
Brett Cameron
Leicester Faingaanuku
Ngane Punivai
Will Jordan
