News

Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his team this week to take on the Reds at home this Sunday.  The only change to the team that beat the Waratahs last weekend is the possible inclusion of Sean Maitland, who has been recovering from a high ankle injury. Maitland’s inclusion on the wing is subject to his full participation in training today.

Although the line-up looks much the same as last week’s, the jerseys will be different.  This week the Crusaders are wearing specially-made St John jerseys, which will then be signed by the players and auctioned on Trade Me.  Funds raised will go towards funding St John’s support of community rugby in the Crusaders franchise area.  The jerseys are open for bidding on Trade Me now (listed under sports/rugby/apparel/jerseys) and the auction will run until next Thursday night.

The Crusaders have also named their latest Community Crusader, Rachel Cooper.  Fittingly, Rachel is a former St John Youth Cadet and is now a St John Event volunteer.  She is also the Divisional Manager of Hornby St John Youth Division, a completely voluntary role.

St John service runs in Rachel’s family – her mother works in the St John communications centre dealing with 111 ambulance calls. Rachel understands the hugely important role that St John plays in our community and is constantly helping to future-proof the St John service by being an active promoter and organiser of St John Youth members.  Rachel is also a keen rugby fan and has worked on rugby duty with St John a number of times.

As part of her Community Crusader prize, Rachel will attend Crusader training today, receive two tickets to Sunday’s game, and a Crusader rugby jersey.

Kick-off on Sunday is at 4pm.  As the only afternoon game at the new AMI Stadium (Addington) this season, pre-match and half-time entertainment will be catered to families. So people are advised to arrive early and enjoy the festivities.  Free buses will be available to ticketholders again and further details can be found at metroinfo.co.nz

Crusaders team to play the Reds:

1.               Ben Franks
    

2.               Corey Flynn
    

3.               Owen Franks
    

4.               Luke Romano
    

5.               Tom Donnelly
    

6.               George Whitelock
    

7.               Matt Todd
    

8.               Kieran Read
    

9.               Andy Ellis
    

10.            Tom Taylor
    

11.            Zac Guildford
    

12.            Dan Carter
    

13.            Robbie Fruean
    

14.            Sean Maitland/Adam Whitelock

15.            Israel Dagg

Reserves

16.        Ben Funnell

17.        Wyatt Crockett

18.        Samuel Whitelock

19.        Richie McCaw

20.        Willi Heinz

21.        Ryan Crotty

22.        Tom Marshall