1
CONFIRMED: Crusaders name side for Super Rugby Final
By Ian Cameron
An unchanged BNZ Crusaders team will take on the Lions in the 2017 Investec Super Rugby Grand Final this weekend.
Head Coach Scott Robertson said it was great to be able to have consistency in the team throughout the finals series: "A squad of 25, which included the 23 who played in the quarter and semi-finals, travelled to Johannesburg at the start of the week and all players are fit and available for selection this weekend, which is awesome.
"We have settled in really well in Johannesburg and we are building the week nicely towards Saturday afternoon's big clash. We love Finals week, it is why we play," Robertson said.
Kick-off at Emirates Airline Park is at 4pm this Saturday afternoon local time, or live on Sky Sport NZ at 2am Sunday New Zealand time.
BNZ Crusaders team to play the Lions:
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Scott Barrett
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Jordan Taufua
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Kieran Read
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. Seta Tamanivalu
12. Ryan Crotty (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Israel Dagg
15. David Havili
RESERVES
16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Luke Romano
20. Pete Samu
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. George Bridge
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments