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Crusaders name Sam Whitelock in team for SRP final
By Finn Morton
Sam Whitelock will start for the Crusaders on Saturday when they take on the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
Whitelock was seemingly in doubt for this weekend’s decider, with New Zealand coach Ian Foster saying the All Blacks didn’t “expect him to play based on the medical data we’ve got.”
But the departing lock has been named for his 178th and final game in Crusaders colours. Whitelock will pack down in the second row alongside captain Scott Barrett.
The Crusaders have named an unchanged front row of Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor and Oliver Jager, while Barrett and Whitelock complete the rest of the tight five.
As for the rest of the forward pack, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie will form a formidable loose forward trio.
All Black Mitchell Drummond will partner long-time teammate Richie Mo’unga in the halves. Mo’unga has played a key role in the Crusaders dynasty, and will want to go out a winner in his last game for the franchise before heading to Japan.
Leicester Fainga’anuku is also set to head overseas after this year’s Rugby World Cup, and joins All Blacks bolter Dallas McLeod and Will Jordan in the outside backs.
Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor will link up in the midfield.
The Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders is set to get underway at 7.05pm on Saturday at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.
Crusaders team to take on Chiefs
- Tamaiti Williams
- Codie Taylor
- Oliver Jager
- Scott Barrett (c)
- Sam Whitelock
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Mitchell Drummond
- Richie Mo’unga
- Leicester Fainga’anuku
- Jack Goodhue (vc)
- Braydon Ennor
- Dallas McLeod
- Will Jordan
Replacements:
- George Bell
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin
- Reuben O’Neill
- Quinten Strange
- Dominic Gardiner
- Willi Heinz
- Fergus Burke
- Chay Fihaki
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Latest Comments
Excellent year. I have enjoyed the Pumas with every match they played. They are truly one of the top tier nations and with more growth they will push hard for top 3 world ranking. They are just a bit up and down like the French team of old.
Go to commentsFunny that I read this after watching last night's game where Matera packed down at openside every signle time. Jaguares also used to play with OS/BS flankers when he was with them. Of course, if he's at 8 or not involved, Pumas could do it the French way and put, let's say, Kremer on the right and Golzalez on the left. You're correct about Matera's tenure at Crusaders where he was mainly used at blindside but also at #8 on occasion as far as I remember. He has the frame and skillset to play whichever back row position he's put at, much like Ardie or Jack Willis or Pocock.
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