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Crusaders call back two All Black powerhouses
By Online Editors
The Crusaders' horsemen may be missing but it hasn't stopped them rolling out the cavalry in the front row stocks to face the Brumbies in Christchurch.
Coach Scott Robertson has welcomed back All Blacks starting props Owen Franks and Joe Moody from injury for Saturday's game, the first in the city since the March 15 mosque attacks.
It will be the first game that doesn't feature the imagery and branding that has accompanied the triumphant history of the nine-time champions.
New Zealand Rugby said the sword-wielding knights and horses are no longer tenable because of their association with the series of wars against Muslims of nearly 1000 years ago known as the "Crusades".
The team's name will be independently assessed and could also change before the 2020 season.
That off-field distraction won't stop Robertson's team providing a typically formidable opposition to the Brumbies.
Robertson has such depth at his disposal that he can afford to shift v eteran lock Sam Whitelock to the bench and omit star outside centre Jack Goodhue altogether as he rotates his resources.
All Blacks skipper Kieran Read takes over the captaincy from Whitelock.
Flanker Ethan Blackadder will make his first start this season while it is the 150th Crusaders match for scrummaging powerhouse Franks.
Crusaders: David Havili, Will Jordan, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read (capt), Matt Todd, Ethan Blackadder, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Res: Ben Funnell, Harry Allan, Michael Alaalatoa, Sam Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, Leicester Faingaanuku.
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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.
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