News

The BNZ Crusaders will host the Highlanders this Friday night, and Head Coach Scott Robertson has named a side that features seven changes from the team that took the field against the Brumbies last week.  

Image courtesy of Photosport - Official Photographer of the BNZ Crusaders

Andrew Makalio will start this game at hooker, and Ben Funnell has been named on the bench. Codie Taylor, who was withdrawn from last week's match with a calf strain, will be rested this week ahead of the bye. Owen Franks, who suffered a shoulder sprain in the Brumbies match, will also sit out the southern derby, and is replaced by Michael Alaalatoa in the No. 3 jersey. Oliver Jager will provide cover on the bench. 

The final changes to the forward pack will see Sam Whitelock and Whetukamokamo Douglas return to the starting side, and Whitelock resume the captaincy. 

At halfback, Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond swap this week, so that Hall starts and Drummond moves to the bench. Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor both return to the starting side at centre and on the right wing respectively. The only other change to the match day 23 sees Mitch Hunt replace Brett Cameron on the bench. 



Kick off in the BNZ Crusaders' Investec Super Rugby match against the Highlanders is Friday 12 April, 7:35pm (NZT), at Christchurch Stadium in Addington.


BNZ Crusaders team to play the Highlanders: