Crusaders name new-look side to take on Moana Pasifika

After beating the Blues in Christchurch last weekend, the Crusaders have made 11 changes to their starting side to take on Moana Pasifika on Friday.

The Crusaders are missing a number of All Blacks, including the likes of Codie Taylor, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Braydon Ennor.

But they aren’t the defending champions for no reason. This team still packs plenty of punch, and will be raring to go ahead of the Crusaders’ first-ever trip to Mt Smart Stadium.

Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Brodie McAlister and the in-form Tamaiti Williams make up the Crusaders front-row this week, which looks a bit different to their trio last time out.

Scott Barrett with captain the team once again in round 13, and is set to pack down in the second row alongside Zach Gallagher.

Sione Havili Talitui and Corey Kellow will line up on the flanks, while Cullen Grace retains his spot in the No. 8 jersey.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named an intriguing halves combination this week, with rising star Noah Hotham set to start at halfback alongside flyhalf Fergus Burke.

Dallas McLeod and Jack Goodhue will combine in the midfield, while Macca Springer and Chay Fihaki have been given the nod to start on the left and right wings.

Following a successful return to Super Rugby Pacific a couple of weeks ago, All Black Will Jordan will run out in the No. 15 jersey again on Friday.

Crusaders team to take on Moana Pasifika

1. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
2. Brodie McAlister
3. Tamaiti Williams
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Zach Gallagher
6. Sione Havili Talitui
7. Corey Kellow
8. Cullen Grace
9. Noah Hotham
10. Fergus Burke
11. Macca Springer
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Will Jordan

Replacements:

16. Ioane Moananu
17. Andrew Turner
18. Seb Calder
19. Dom Calder
20. Christian Lio-Willie
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Taha Kemara
23. Wil Gualter