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Scott Barrett returns for experimental Crusaders against Rebels
By Ned Lester
The Crusaders are continuing to experiment with their lineup this week as they host the fourth-place Rebels in Christchurch, but are boosted by the return of two of their most experienced players.
Captain Scott Barrett is back in his familiar No. 4 jersey, no doubt hoping to give his team the edge they've been lacking this year.
All Black David Havili has been named in the No. 22 jersey for the contest, having last played against the Blues in round five.
There's a big change-up in the loose forwards, with Tom Christie absent from the team sheet, leaving Ethan Blackadder to shift to the openside flank and Cullen Grace moving to the blindside, allowing Christian Lio-Willie to retain the No. 8 jersey.
There's a new starting halves combination too. Mitch Drummond is back in the No. 9 jersey with Rivez Reihana getting the starting nod at first five-eighth.
Young speedster Heremaia Murray lands himself a start on the left wing and Johnny McNicholl slots into fullback, moving Chay Fihaki to the bench.
Brodie McAlister retains his position in the starting unit and is joined by George Bower and Fletcher Newell, who provided impact off the bench last week.
Crusaders team to face the Rebels
- George Bower
- Brodie McAlister
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Quinten Strange
- Cullen Grace
- Ethan Blackadder
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Mitch Drummond
- Rivez Reihana
- Heremaia Murray
- Dallas McLeod
- Levi Aumua
- Sevu Reece
- Johnny McNicholl
RESERVES:
16. George Bell
17. Joe Moody
18. Owen Franks
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Corey Kellow
21. Noah Hotham
22. David Havili
23. Chay Fihaki
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Latest Comments
I think this debate is avoiding the elephant in the room. Money. According to the URC chief executive Martin Anayi, the inclusion of SA teams has doubled the income of the URC. There is no doubt that the SA teams benefit from the URC but so do the other countries' teams. Perhaps it doesn't affect a club like Leinster but the less well off clubs benefit hugely from South African games' TV income. I don't think SA continued inclusion in the URC is a slam dunk. They don't hold all the cards by a long way - but they do have an ace in the hole. The Ace of Diamonds.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
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