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Codie Taylor returns for Crusaders in team to host Reds
By Ned Lester
The Crusaders will have the services of All Black Codie Taylor when they host the Reds in Christchurch this weekend.
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The hooker has been absent from the season to date as he rehabs a hamstring injury, but is fot and firing for his season debut against the unbeaten Australian heavyweights.
It’s the first trans-Tasman contest of the year for the Crusaders, who split their opening two games with a win against the Hurricanes and a loss against the Chiefs before their bye week in round three.
“They’ve been managing me quite well here and I’m feeling good now and ready to get back out there,” Taylor said.
“Me and the assault bike have become best friends over the last couple of weeks and I’m quite happy I can hopefully say goodbye to him for a wee while.”
The only other change to the starting XV is the inclusion of Dallas McLeod in the midfield, the one-time All Black lines up outside captain David Havili and replaces Levi Aumua in the No 13 jersey.
The contest will be a special one for former Wallaby and Queensland Reds playmaker James O’Connor, who has again been named on the bench to face his old squad.
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“They’re coming off two good wins, they’ll be full of confidence, and they’ll be coming here to do a job,” O’Connor says.
The 64-time Wallaby went on to share his thoughts on what has been a lung-busting season to date.
“Everyone is talking about how high scoring the competition is, it’s because they’re speeding the game up, there’s more fatigue out there, even for me as a goal kicker, I’m still getting my breath and I’m getting the 10-second call to kick the ball.”
“I’m enjoying it, there’s more attacking pictures and for the fans it must be pretty cool to watch.”
The contest is set for a Sunday afternoon kickoff time, something Crusaders head coach Rob Penney was looking forward to.
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“Afternoon footy is so exciting for fans to get out and get in the sun and watch it live – it’s fabulous for families to get out and enjoy an afternoon at their favourite sport.”
Crusaders team to play the Reds
- Tamaiti Williams
- Codie Taylor
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Cullen Grace
- (VC) Ethan Blackadder
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Kyle Preston
- Taha Kemara
- Sevu Reece
- (C) David Havili
- Dallas McLeod
- Chay Fihaki
- (VC) Will Jordan
Reserves
16. Ioane Moananu
17. George Bower
18. Sam Matenga
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. James O’Connor
23. Levi Aumua
Injury status
Rivez REIHANA Ankle
1 week
Seb CALDER AC Joint
1 week
Quin STRANGE Pec/Hamstring
1 week
Jamie HANNAH Shoulder (surgery)
1 week
Aki TUIVAILALA Finger (surgery)
1 week
Dom GARDINER Hamstring
3-5 weeks
Johnny McNICHOLL Hamstring
3-5 weeks
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN Medial ligament (knee)
4 weeks
Noah HOTHAM Ankle
5 weeks
George BELL Planter plate (foot)
16-20 weeks
Finaly BREWIS Shoulder (surgery)
Out for the season
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Looking forward to Taha Kemara having another great game at 10. He has built on his game with more game time. Playing ouside our break through Player of the Year Kyle Preston . Scored 3 tries on his debut off the bench 3 weeks ago. Another outstanding young halfback , Noah Hotham, back soon from injury.
Also 2 outstanding vice captains there , in brilliant fullback Will Jordan and one of the form loose forwards of this comp Ethan Blackadder. The latter is part of a great loose forward trio with Cullen Grace and Christian Lio-Willie. Grace is o playing great rugby.
So good having one of hooking greats Codie Taylor back for the Crusaders.He is a great player and leader. Powerful pack named. Ioane Moananu has done a great job while Codie has been out and brings impact off the bench.Pleased to see Dallas McLeod joining outstanding player and captain David Havili in midfield.