Crusaders reshuffle for Jaguares clash

The Crusaders will look to make a statement when they face the Jaguares in week eight of Super Rugby.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has made several changes as his side prepare for their first-ever match in Argentina.

In the forward pack, All Blacks lock Luke Romano joins Sam Whitelock in the starting lineup and Tom Sanders claims the No. 6 jersey. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis moves to No. 8 in place of Jordan Taufua.

In the backline, Tim Bateman will start at centre in place of Jack Goodhue, who has returned home to New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury last weekend.

Manasa Mataele earns a spot on the right wing after a string of strong performances.

On the bench, Otago prop Donald Brighouse replaces the injured Oliver Jager and Pete Samu return from injury to join the bench as loose forward cover.

The clash against the Jaguares will be Samu's third appearance of the season after battling a shoulder injury sustained in week two.

Former New Zealand U20 wing Braydon Ennor will join Mitchell Drummond and Mike Delany as backs cover.

The Crusaders will have a bye next week before taking on the Sunwolves at AMI Stadium in week ten.

CRUSADERS

1. Tim Perry, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Sam Whitelock (C), 6. Tom Sanders, 7. Matt Todd (VC), 8. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 9. Bryn Hall, 10. Mitch Hunt, 11. George Bridge, 12. Ryan Crotty (VC), 13. Tim Bateman, 14. Manasa Mataele, 15. David Havili.

Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Donald Brighouse, 18. Chris King, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Mitchell Drummond, 22. Mike Delany, 23. Braydon Ennor.