Hat-trick hero promoted for Crusaders in team to play Chiefs

The Crusaders have made minor changes to the team that beat the Hurricanes in round one ahead of their trip to Hamilton to face the Chiefs in round two.

All Black Noah Hotham has been ruled out of the game with an ankle sprain, making way for rookie Kyle Preston who scored three tries in his debut last Friday.

Preston will join Waikato native Taha Kemara in the halves. The young playmaker lining up as the starting No. 10 for the first time in his hometown at Super Rugby level.

"I think I've got about 20 tickets for the game; it's going to be cool to play in front of my family and against a few of my mates – but it's probably not home at the moment. Home is Christchurch right now, " Kemara said.

While only one week into the new season, Crusaders head coach Rob Penney was happy to label the Chiefs as the team to beat after their big win over the Blues in Auckland in round one.

"Going up to their home ground we are excited for the opportunity and it's the best against the best of the country at the moment."

Crusaders team to face Chiefs

1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Ioane Moananu
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett
5. Antonio Shalfoon
6. Cullen Grace
7. (VC) Ethan Blackadder
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Kyle Preston
10. Taha Kemara
11. Sevu Reece
12. (C) David Havili
13. Levi Aumua
14. Chay Fihaki
15. (VC) Will Jordan

Reserves

16. Manumaua Letiu
17. George Bower
18. Sam Matenga
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. James O’Connor
23. Dallas McLeod

Injury status

Codie TAYLOR, Hamstring, 2 weeks

Rivez REIHANA, Ankle, 2-3 weeks

Seb CALDER, AC Joint, 2-3 weeks

Quin STRANGE, Pec/Hamstring, 4 weeks

Dom GARDINER, Hamstring, 4-6 weeks

Jamie HANNAH, Shoulder (surgery), 4 weeks

Aki TUIVAILALA, Finger (surgery), 4 weeks

Johnny McNICHOLL, Hamstring, 4-6 weeks

Noah HOTHAM, Ankle, Unclear currently

Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN, Medial ligament (knee), 5-6 weeks

Braydon ENNOR, Wrist (surgery), Unclear currently

George BELL, Planter plate (foot), 16-20 weeks

Finaly BREWIS, Shoulder (surgery), Out for the season