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All Blacks return to bolster Crusaders for quarter-final clash with Highlanders
By Online Editors
The Crusaders will welcome back some key players for their quarter-final clash at Orangetheory Stadium this Friday.
The Crusaders' All Blacks front row will start for the first time this season, with Codie Taylor and Owen Franks returning to the run-on side. Andrew Makalio and Michael Alaalatoa move to the reserves.
Franks last appeared for the Crusaders in their Round 8 clash with the Brumbies. His return will be a welcome sight for Crusaders and All Blacks fans (excepting Highlanders supporters, naturally).
In the backs Braydon Ennor, who scored a hat-trick of tries in the Crusaders' last regular season game against the Rebels on 8 June, will try to make a mark from this bench this week, with George Bridge returning to the starting line up.
Mitch Drummond and Mitch Hunt take their spots on the reserve bench.
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Samuel Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry, Michael Alalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Braydon Ennor.
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Latest Comments
There is a major story unfolding around Gleeson's bar in Booterstown, South Dublin City last night. Beaudy Barrett, DMac and Cody Taylor were there. DMac was supposed to be on the Guinness 0.0 but lets just say it didn't turn out that way.
Hours later, Dmac out cold, head on the table with a long stallagtite of flem and spittle rising and falling with his breathing. There is a video apparently.
The barman barred a staggering Taylor from any more Guinness but Taylor kept pushing past him, pulled a seat up to the Guinness tap and personally pulled himself pints, claiming it was 'celebrity pint pulls mate'.
One of these celebrity pint pulls made a local paper but it's only a matter of time before the real context comes out. Dmac is out of the team for Friday due to breaking 'internal standards', Sititi starting at 10.
Go to commentsNow that made me laugh bull!
I tell you what though, the head knock from Kriel on Hugh jones in the wc that didn’t result in any card was a real mystery with the way things are now.
Also suspect the Boks will be pretty well motivated by glasgows antics in stellenbosch last week and loftus in June…
Should be a cracker hopefully!
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