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Ryan Crotty returns for Crusaders with season on the line
By Ned Lester
The Crusaders have it all to play for in round 15's Super Rugby Pacific clash against Moana Pasifika and have leaned on some veteran talent to get them over the line.
Former All Black Ryan Crotty has been named at second five-eighth for the Christchurch clash, partnering with Dallas McLoed at centre.
Scott Barrett is still absent for the decisive contest and will be joined on the sidelines by fellow All Blacks Fletcher Newell, Sevu Reece and David Havili as well as centre Levi Aumua.
The absences make way for a starting front row of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams, while in the second row, Antonio Shalfoon and Quinten Strange get the starting nods.
The loose forward trio is once again made up of Cullen Grace at blindside flanker, Ethan Blackadder at openside and Christian Lio-Willie at No. 8.
Noah Hotham continues his strong form at halfback and is again joined by Fergus Burke after the halves duo's impressive performance against the Blues.
Operating outside Crotty and McLeod will be Macca Springer and Chay Fihaki on the wings and Johnny McNicholl at fullback.
Crusaders team to play Moana Pasifika
- Joe Moody
- Codie Taylor
- Tamaiti Williams
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Quinten Strange
- Cullen Grace
- Ethan Blackadder
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Noah Hotham
- Fergus Burke
- Macca Springer
- Ryan Crotty
- Dallas McLeod
- Chay Fihaki
- Johnny McNicholl
Reserves
16. George Bell
17. George Bower
18. Owen Franks
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Tom Christie
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Taine Robinson
23. Heremaia Murray
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Latest Comments
Jordan is going to play utility off the bench against either Scotland or Wales. He is Damian Willemse on this tour.
I see a 5/3 split against England. Not sure Jordan will be picked for that one. I suspect we’ll see Polly, Grant Williams and Lukhanyo Am off the bench for that one.
Go to commentsThe Samoan haka v England rugby league made me want to play.
That was up there with my favourites of all time.
The Fijian league team sing a song instead of doing a haka, that’s badass as well, recommend YouTubing that when you got a moment.
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