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.
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I’m looking forward to attending the Twickenham match, I don’t think it will have a bearing on the outcome of the grand prize itself but it will tell us more about each teams’ preparation and game plan. It’s hard to look past one of the big four (I’m including Canada) lifting the trophy in 2025 but sport is a curious thing, there will still be twists and turns in road ahead.
Go to commentsThe better side seems to be the losing side a lot these days. As far as narrative goes. Must be the big emergent culture of “participation awards” that have emerged in nanny states. ”It looked like New Zealand would take the game from there but lapses in execution let South Africa get back into the game. New Zealand’s goal kickers left five points out there, including a very make-able penalty on the stroke of half”. Sounds like a chronic problem… I wonder how the better team has lapses in concentration and execution? Or are those not important factors in the grand scheme of total performances? In 2023, the ABs at least didn’t give up a lead to lose. They just couldn’t execute to get the points and take the lead. This Baby AB result points to a choke - letting the game slip through your fingers. In the words of the great Ricky Bobby’s dad - “If you’re not 1st you’re last!” Loosely translated - if you didn’t win, you’re a loser.
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