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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
We can all see this problem, eh? Love the clips showing how smart opposition coaches exploit it though. Thanks, Nick.
Borthwick has obviously earned the right to expect people to look elsewhere when the sort of personal problems likely at the heart of Jones' departure occur but it's hard to believe he's, if not entirely to blame, at least most of the problem.
England seem between choices in every aspect of their play to me right now
Go to commentsBM My rugby fanaticism journey began as a youngster waking up in the early hours of the morning with a cup of coffee to watch the Boks play the ABs on that 1981 rebel tour, where we lost the last game in the dying seconds to a penalty, and ended up losing the series 2-1. Danie Gerber, Naas Botha, Ray Mordt, and DuPlessis, to name a few; what a team! I believe we could've won another World Cup with those boys playing in their prime.
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