News
BNZ Crusaders team named to face the Reds in Brisbane
- Details
- Published: 28 February 2019
The BNZ Crusaders are on their way to Brisbane, where they will take on the Reds in Round 3 of Investec Super Rugby this Saturday night.
Photo Credit: Photosport
Head Coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the starting side that defeated the Hurricanes 38-22 in Christchurch last weekend. The tight five remains the same, but in the loose forwards Tom Sanders earns his first start of the 2019 season in the No. 6 jersey, and Jordan Taufua moves to the bench.
In the backline, Mitch Drummond and Bryn Hall swap this week, so that Drummond starts at halfback. Tim Bateman also steps in at second five-eighth in the absence of Vice-Captain Ryan Crotty, who is on an All Blacks rest week and won't travel to Brisbane.
Round 1 Man of the Match Braydon Ennor will return to the starting team in Brisbane, replacing the injured Manasa Mataele on the right wing. The final change sees Will Jordan, who turned 21 on Sunday, earn his first Super Rugby start at fullback, with David Havili providing cover in the reserves.
The BNZ Crusaders versus Reds match is due to kick off at 9:45pm (NZT), Saturday 2 March, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Coverage for fans in New Zealand is on Sky Sport 1 from 9:40pm.
BNZ Crusaders team to play the Reds:
| 1. Joe Moody | RESERVES |
| 2. Andrew Makalio | 16. Ben Funnell |
| 3. Owen Franks | 17. Harry Allan |
| 4. Scott Barrett | 18. Michael Alaalatoa |
| 5. Quinten Strange | 19. Luke Romano |
| 6. Tom Sanders | 20. Jordan Taufua |
| 7. Matt Todd (C) | 21. Bryn Hall |
| 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas | 22. Mitchell Hunt |
| 9. Mitchell Drummond | 23. David Havili |
| 10. Richie Mo'unga | |
| 11. George Bridge | |
| 12. Tim Bateman (VC) | |
| 13. Jack Goodhue | |
| 14. Braydon Ennor | |
| 15. Will Jordan |