1
Crusaders make one starting change as they search for first win of season
By Finn Morton
All Blacks centre David Havili will captain the Crusaders again this week when they take on arch-rivals the Blues at Eden Park, with both sides set to rock out in heritage jerseys for the Kiwi derby.
Coach Rob Penney has made just the one change to the side that went down swinging in a thriller with the still-undefeated Hurricane last week with lock Jamie Hannah also coming into the First XV.
Joining All Black Fletcher Newell in the front row are the reliable duo of George Bower and George Bell, while Quinten Strange and Jamie Hannah round out the Crusaders' tight five.
Dominic Gardiner, the always-running Tom Christie will take a place on the flanks while in-form backrower Cullen Grace is set to line up at No. 8 once again.
Willi Heinz starts at halfback for the third week on the bounce and will partner Riley Hohepa who started his first match for the Crusaders less than one week ago.
Captain David Havili joins Levi Aumua in the midfield, while Macca Springer, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki make up a familiar outside backs combination.
There’s plenty of flair on the bench as well with coach Penney selecting an exciting mix of experience and youth.
Among the veterans, Joe Moody and Ryan Crotty will look to make an impact off the pine while youngsters Noah Hotham and Dallas McLeod will hope to do the same.
The Crusaders are winless from four matches to start the season for the first time in team history. Only time will tell as to whether this is the team that can break their winless run.
This New Zealand derby will get underway at 7.05 pm NZT at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.
*Amendment
Tamaiti Williams is not back for the Crusaders this week. There was initially an error with the team's media release.
Crusaders team to take on Blues
- George Bower
- George Bell
- Fletcher Newell
- Quinten Strange
- Jamie Hannah
- Dominic Gardiner
- Tom Christie
- Cullen Grace
- Willi Heinz
- Riley Hohepa
- Macca Springer
- David Havili (c)
- Levi Aumua
- Sevu Reece
- Chay Fihaki
Reserves
- Ioane Moananu
- Joe Moody
- Seb Calder
- Tahlor Cahill
- Corey Kellow
- Noah Hotham
- Ryan Crotty
- Dallas McLeod
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments