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Crusaders lose Crotty for Highlanders clash
By RugbyPass
The Crusaders have named their side ahead of their southern derby against the Highlanders on Saturday night.
Head Coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged forward pack for the match, with two changes to the backline.
Sam Whitelock has been cleared to play after suffering a head knock against the Hurricanes last week, and will captain the side.
Halfback Bryn Hall takes a spot on the bench while Mitchell Drummond comes into the starting lineup in what will be his 50th game for the Crusaders.
Maori All Black Tim Bateman joins the starting line up at second five-eighth in place of All Blacks midfielder Ryan Crotty (concussion).
"We love these derby games against our neighbours in Dunedin. The boys have prepared well, they're really clear and looking forward to what is going to be a great battle on Saturday night," Robertson said.
CRUSADERS
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Sam Whitelock (C), 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 7. Matt Todd (VC), 8. Jordan Taufua, 9. Mitchell Drummond, 10. Mitchell Hunt, 11. George Bridge, 12. Tim Bateman, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Seta Tamanivalu, 15. David Havili.
Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Chris King, 18. Oliver Jager, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Billy Harmon, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Mike Delany, 23. Manasa Mataele.
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Latest Comments
No, bugger off Schmidt, stop interfering in Australian rugby to keep us down
Your selections are rubbish and your game plan is unAustralian. Go back to NZ. Oh wait, you're actually still there ......
Go to commentsWhich is why more depth needs development. There are are several players waiting in the mix who will be good to great ABs. Our bench replacements this year were not always up to the mark
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