Crusaders Knights Head Coach Scott Robertson has named the team to play Highlanders Development side in the first game of the 2013 season. The game takes place this Saturday 23rd February at Christchurch Park. Kick off is at 2pm and entry is free.

The starting team consists of eight Crusaders who predominantly make up the forward pack Taylor, Franks, Tupou, Christie, Taufua, Su’a, Bleyendaal and Marshall. The team will be captained by Lock Matt Symons.

The quality of players on both sides ensures that this will be an ideal development match for both teams. The front row battle in particular is especially exciting. There will be some great match up’s with All Blacks Owen Franks and Jamie Mackintosh coming head to head. Established All Black and Canterbury player Colin Slade is playing for the Highlanders Development team and this match will see him facing off to up and coming Crusader Tyler Bleyendaal.

With free entry and so many quality players in the line up it is a game not to be missed.

Crusaders team to play the Highlanders development:

1.    Adrian Barone

Reserves

2.    Codie Taylor

16. Seb Siataga

3.    Owen Franks

17.  Daniel Lienert-Brown

4.    Joel Everson

18. Scott Barrett

5.    Matt Symons (c)

19.  Jed Brown

6.    Jimmy Tupou

20. Rameka Paraki

7.    Shane Christie

21. Tyrone Elkington

8.    Jordan Taufua

22. Kolio Hifo

9.    Jeremy Su’a

23.Mitch Graham

 

10.  Tyler Bleyendaal

24.Marty Banks  

11. Mitchell Scott

 

 

12. James Schrader

   

13. James Lowe

   

14. Shayne Anderson

   

15. Tom Marshall