1
Crusaders name new-look side to take on Moana Pasifika
By Finn Morton
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
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin
- Brodie McAlister
- Tamaiti Williams
- Scott Barrett (c)
- Zach Gallagher
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Corey Kellow
- Cullen Grace
- Noah Hotham
- Fergus Burke
- Macca Springer
- Dallas McLeod
- Jack Goodhue
- Chay Fihaki
- Will Jordan
Replacements:
- Ioane Moananu
- Andrew Turner
- Seb Calder
- Dom Calder
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Mitchell Drummond
- Taha Kemara
- Wil Gualter
Trending on RugbyPass
2
'Chaos': Lawes sheds light on the social that ended 2 England careers
3
Ex-Ireland wing brands Six Nations champs 'not that good'
4
Hacjivah Dayimani exits SA following Springbok snub
5
Latest Comments
Can someone fill me in please, I've read a number of Ben Smith articles now and it seems he's got something again South Africa? Surely, this game was over and done with 7 months ago. Can't we have something a bit more interesting and relevant, or is this the calibre of journalist on this site?
Go to commentsNot sure what the Welsh are moaning about. They’ve had far more players off England, than England have had off Wales. Guys like Josh Hathaway and Kane James will play for Wales in the end. And they’ll be fsr better players for having played in the Gallagher Premiership, than they ever would have been had they stayed mired in the shambles that is Welsh rugby.
Go to comments