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All Blacks pair back on deck for Crusaders in revenge match with visiting Hurricanes
By Online Editors
The Crusaders are preparing for their rescheduled Round 2 match against the Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon, and head coach Scott Robertson has made few changes to the side, following their Round 1 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Both vice-vaptain David Havili, and outside back Will Jordan, return to the side this week from injury, with Havili to start at fullback and Jordan taking a spot on the bench. The only other change to the side sees a switch at halfback, with Mitchell Drummond named to start in his 95th appearance for the club, and Bryn Hall moving to the reserves for his 98th Super Rugby cap.
Young backs Leicester Fainga'anuku and Dallas McLeod have retained their spots in the starting team, and Robertson told media in Christchurch this morning that both players are deserving of another opportunity this week.
"Leicester, every time he's had an opportunity for us he's been exceptional," Robertson said. "He's a genuine power wing, he's someone that always will break the first tackle or bring three, four defenders in.
"[Dallas] took his opportunity, now he gets another one, gets a bit of continuity. He's been patient, it's a hard team to crack, so when you get your opportunity you want to take it."
The Crusaders suffered just one defeat during last year's Super Rugby Aotearoa competition - in this very fixture. The loss ended an undefeated home streak that stretched back to 2017 and no doubt ruffled a few feathers in the region.
Sunday's game presents the Crusaders with the opportunity to avenge the defeat.
Kick-off in the Crusaders game against the Hurricanes is 4:35 pm NZT, Sunday 7 March, at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Sione Havili Talitui, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Will Jordan.
- with Crusaders Rugby
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Latest Comments
Who, Berry?! His rudeness to Kolisi, our freaking captain, was there for all to see!! Utterly disgraceful.
Erm, I only had one statement - as in 'only one full stop' so not sure where the 'irrelevance' comes in?
Go to commentsLet's be clear: Foster did not back unaquivocally players such as Vaa'i, Tamaiti and Roigard. Yes, he selected them in the squad, but it's a stretch to say he backed them. Those three players have only been backed fully this year (and thrived) under the new regime. There was massive hesitation to give those three guys serious game time in games of consequence.
It's another not-so-subtle dig from the old dynasty at any achievements Razor may be credited for.
Roigard in particular was a mind-baffling omission from the finals of the WC. After being the AB's best player against SA in the pre-WC match, he was not sighted in the big games that followed. Roigard is the type of guy who can win a game with a moment of brilliance, yet the established but uninspiring Christie was preferred to close out a close WC final.
So please, Fozzie, spare us the barely veiled laments about your unfair treatment and unseen achievements. The fact you feel you have to point them out is telling in itself. And it shows that despite saying you've moved on, you and your mate Hansen most definitely haven't.
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