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No stand downs for Crusaders for Saturday night
By Online Editors
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have returned from two weeks on the road to host the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday night.
All of the changes to the side this week are in the forward pack, including the return of Joe Moody at loosehead prop, shifting George Bower to the reserves. At hooker, Andrew Makalio will start this game in place of Codie Taylor, and Brodie McAlister is set to make his Investec Super Rugby debut from the bench.
Kieran Read is on All Blacks rest this week, and there is a reshuffle in the loose forwards which sees Jordan Taufua move from No. 8 to blindside, Whetukamokamo Douglas start at No. 8 and Ethan Blackadder provide cover on the bench.
Backs Richie Mo'unga and George Bridge, who have been caught up in the middle of misconduct allegations this week, retain their spots at first five and on the wing.
The Crusaders have all but sewn up top seeding for the playoffs but their form has faltered a little bit in the last few weeks. Coach Scott Robertson will be looking for a reassuring performance from his charges as the finals draw nearer.
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Michael Ala'alatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Isi Tu'ungafasi, George Bower, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt.
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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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