1
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
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Northampton sign legend's son to add a 'massive physical presence'
3
Harlequins confirm the 11 players leaving at the end of the season
4
Connacht confirm 11 end-of-season leavers, name nine new arrivals
5
Latest Comments
> It would be best described as an elegant solution to what was potentially going to be a significant problem for new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. It is a problem the mad population of New Zealand will have to cope with more and more as All Blacks are able to continue their careers in NZ post RWCs. It will not be a problem for coaches, who are always going to start a campaign with the captain for the next WC in mind. > Cane, despite his warrior spirit, his undoubted commitment to every team he played for and unforgettable heroics against Ireland in last year’s World Cup quarter-final, was never unanimously admired or respected within New Zealand while he was in the role. Neither was McCaw, he was considered far too passive a captain and then out of form until his last world cup where everyone opinions changed, just like they would have if Cane had won the WC. > It was never easy to see where Cane, or even if, he would fit into Robertson’s squad given the new coach will want to be building a new-look team with 2027 in mind. > Cane will win his selections on merit and come the end of the year, he’ll sign off, he hopes, with 100 caps and maybe even, at last, universal public appreciation for what was a special career. No, he won’t. Those returning from Japan have already earned the right to retain their jersey, it’s in their contract. Cane would have been playing against England if he was ready, and found it very hard to keep his place. Perform, and they keep it however. Very easy to see where Cane could have fit, very hard to see how he could have accomplished it choosing this year as his sabbatical instead of 2025, and that’s how it played out (though I assume we now know what when NZR said they were allowing him to move his sabbatical forward and return to NZ next year, they had actually agreed to simply select him for the All Blacks from overseas, without any chance he was going to play in NZ again). With a mammoth season of 15 All Black games they might as well get some value out of his years contract, though even with him being of equal character to Richie, I don’t think they should guarantee him his 100 caps. That’s not what the All Blacks should be about. He absolutely has to play winning football.
Go to commentswhat’s happening to Ian Peel?
Go to comments