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Crusaders name strong squad for three-peat quest
By Online Editors
The Crusaders have named a typically strong 2019 Super Rugby squad in their quest for three straight Super Rugby titles.
Amongst the regular All Blacks, a number of young Crusader prospects have been named to make their potential Super Rugby debuts in 2019.
Tasman Makos fullback Will Jordan returns to the squad for the second straight season, and will be pushing for a debut after two promising Mitre 10 Cup campaigns.
Nelson product Leicester Faingaanuku is a surprise inclusion, named in the squad ahead of brother Tima Faingaanuku. The younger Faingaanuku was due to miss New Zealand's under-20 Junior World Cup campaign, indicating he was due for Super Rugby selection.
Canterbury midfielder Ngane Punivai has also made the squad, with the highly-touted local Christs College star making his way through the ranks, as well as teammate Brett Cameron, who recently was picked in the 51-man All Blacks squad.
"We're really excited about the new talent joining our back line this season," coach Scott Robertson said.
"Brett did a fantastic job steering Canterbury around the park during this year's Mitre 10 Cup, and was rewarded with a spot on the end of year tour as part of the All Blacks wider squad. He's a balanced No. 10 who possesses a good turn of speed and both his kicking out of hand and his goal-kicking are exceptional.
"Ngane is a great centre/wing option for us, his size and speed are huge assets. He’s a smart player who makes good decisions and has an incredible work ethic.
“Leicester was an incredible age-group player and dominated through schools’ rugby. His size and power are his greatest strengths, so it’s no surprise he finds his way to the try line frequently. We know he’ll take that potential and perform for us in a Crusaders jersey.”
There are also two elevations to full squad status in the forwards, with Whetu Douglas and Harry Allan named in the squad but having previously debuted for the Crusaders in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
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Crusaders 2019 Super Rugby Squad
FORWARDS
Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, Scott Barrett , Ethan Blackadder, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks , Ben Funnell, Billy Harmon, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio , Joe Moody, Tim Perry , Kieran Read, Luke Romano , Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange , Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd (vc), Sam Whitelock (c)
BACKS
Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Ryan Crotty (vc), Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaanuku, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Ngane Punivai
More Super Rugby squads:
Hurricanes 2019 Super Rugby Squad
Chiefs 2019 Super Rugby Squad
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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