Brett Cameron to start for the Crusaders while Fergus Burke lines up on the bench for Super Rugby debut
The Crusaders have travelled to Brisbane today, ahead of their rescheduled round seven clash with the Sunwolves on Saturday night.
Head Coach Scott Robertson confirmed today that All Blacks Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Richie Mo'unga and Jack Goodhue will all be rested for this match, with Bryn Hall to Captain the side at halfback.
It is an all-new starting front row this week, while Luke Romano (lock) and Sione Havili (blindside) both earn starts, and Cullen Grace makes the switch to No. 8 for this game. A further three changes in the backs sees Hall, Brett Cameron and Braydon Ennor all start this week.
20-year-old Fergus Burke will get his first taste of Super Rugby against the Sunwolves, providing cover at first five-eighth, while experienced Super Rugby hooker and Tasman representative, Hugh Roach, joins the side as cover for McAlister.
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"It's really exciting to give these players an opportunity this week," Robertson said. "We're fortunate to have a great group of young players coming through, who all have big futures ahead of them. They've been training really consistently in our environment and we look forward to seeing them take their opportunity on Saturday.
"We also welcome Whetu back from injury, he's an important leader in our group and has worked hard to come back so to be able to name him this week is awesome."
Kick off in the Crusaders match against the Sunwolves is 6:35pm NZT/3:35pm AEST, Saturday 14 March at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Crusaders:
1. George Bower
2. Brodie McAlister
3. Oliver Jager
4. Luke Romano
5. Mitchell Dunshea
6. Sione Havili
7. Tom Christie
8. Cullen Grace
9. Bryn Hall (C)
10. Brett Cameron
11. Leicester Faingaanuku
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. George Bridge
RESERVES:
16. Hugh Roach*
17. Isi Tuungafasi
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Whetukamokamo Douglas
20. Tom Sanders
21. Ereatara Enari
22. Fergus Burke**
23. Manasa Mataele
WATCH: Get ready for the sixth series of RugbyPass' ‘The Season’, in partnership with Brisbane Boys College. In the lead up to the series premiere, we take a look at some of the personalities involved including barnstorming centre, Jack Howarth.
Latest Comments
This France team is as good as they were when they went into the World Cup as favorites. Have gone through a rebuild of confidence and rediscovered that form.
Neither England nor Ireland will trouble this team in the 6N. That’s my prediction.
And I guess about time too. Considering that France has won but one 6N title in 6 seasons despite being the best French team for generations thriving off the platform which is the Top 14.
They must just beware of peaking too soon and going to Australia over confident.
Which is also why I thinks it’s absolutely bonkers that France isn’t sending there best players to New Zealand next year. Yes, it isn’t Australia, but getting some SH travel experience makes more sense than not.
Go to commentsI'm not meaning to criticise the players, it's a professional game, this is their livelihood so all power to them. I am aiming criticism at the selectors. Italy is the perfect opportunity to give players of the future a game such as Lakai, Love etc. There is a finite number of tests until the next world cup to develop the team, we are wasting one today.
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