1
Sam Whitelock returns as Crusaders name team for Waratahs clash
By Finn Morton
All Blacks centurion Sam Whitelock is set to lace up the boots for the first time in a month when the Crusaders take on the Waratahs in Christchurch on Saturday.
Following a few weeks on the sidelines with an injury, Whitelock is set to play his first game for the Crusaders since the title holders were beaten by the ladder-leading Chiefs last month.
Whitelock will line-up in the second row alongside Quinten Strange, while usual captain Scott Barrett takes a rest week as per the All Blacks’ policy.
Hooker Codie Taylor will lead the team in round 14, and will pack down in the front row alongside Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Tamaiti Williams.
Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace make up the loose forward trio this week.
As for the backline, coach Scott Robertson has named the experienced halves duo of Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo’unga. The pair will look to unleash an exciting backline this weekend.
Vice-captain David Havili will combine with Braydon Ennor in the midfield, while Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod take their spots on the wings.
Fergus Burke has shifted from flyhalf back to fullback.
The match between the Crusaders and Waratahs – two traditional Super Rugby rivals – is set to get underway at 4.35pm on Saturday at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.
Crusaders team to take on the Waratahs
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin
- Codie Taylor (c)
- Tamaiti Williams
- Quinten Strange
- Sam Whitelock
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Tom Christie
- Cullen Grace
- Mitchell Drummond
- Richie Mo’unga
- Leicester Fainga’anuku
- David Havili (vc)
- Braydon Ennor
- Dallas McLeod
- Fergus Burke
Replacements:
- Brodie McAlister
- Seb Calder
- Reuben O’Neill
- Zach Gallagher
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Noah Hotham
- Chay Fihaki
- Wil Gualter
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Exeter poised to sign Italy star after Jake Gordon deal falls through
3
'I don't see them being that dominant force that they have been'
4
'Cat is out of the bag' over Curry after 'uphill battle': Sanderson
5
Latest Comments
Can see why you have doubts about Harry Wilson, J. However, I do see signs of him moving towards a Vermeulan style 8th man. Strong carries from deep runs, but still tends to lose the ball in contact. His work in tandem with McReight is a big factor in his favour. What I would be interested to see is a starting backrow of McReight, Wilson and Uru, Valetini the power carrier of the bench around 50 min mark.
Go to commentsYes it was just written as a joke but Ireland beating NZ certainly put a target on them. I was desperate for NZ to play Ireland come 1/4 final time and it was definately one of the sweetest wins for some time. The most pleasure is gained when the opposition publicly disrespects you and Ireland players did that. Revenge was sooooo sweet.
Maybe you are right. Maybe all teams should just send B teams for every test match now, just in case the opposition gain IP.
The one clear thing from watching French world cup squads is that they argue with each other when in a touring type situation. Thats because they arnt used to being on tour together. Thats their failing and probably a decent part of why France dont win world cups.
Go to comments