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Scott Barrett returns for experimental Crusaders against Rebels

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

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.

Related

Crusaders team to face the Rebels 

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  1. George Bower
  2. Brodie McAlister
  3. Fletcher Newell
  4. Scott Barrett
  5. Quinten Strange
  6. Cullen Grace
  7. Ethan Blackadder
  8. Christian Lio-Willie
  9. Mitch Drummond
  10. Rivez Reihana
  11. Heremaia Murray
  12. Dallas McLeod
  13. Levi Aumua
  14. Sevu Reece
  15. 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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Comments

1 Comment
j
john 447 days ago

Except for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else.

McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year.

Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece

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PM 59 minutes ago
Why Henry Pollock's x-factor could earn him a Lions Test start

Nick,

I am a long suffering England fan, who has had to endure watching 4 years of dull rugby, poor selections and painful defeats. Steve Borthwick talks about GPS and picks squads by numbers and then we put in a poor performance on the pitch - it’s been a consistent trend.


Something changed in the Six Nations and we totally changed our style (literally overnight) and played some really good footie, which finally felt like positive rugby for a change.


Genge has regained his pore-Covid form and is looking back to his best and is head and shoulders above Porter.


Chessum has had a good year and hasn’t played a poor International game this season.


Tom Curry was outstanding in the 6 Nations but they have been playing him at 6, wheras he is better at 7 and is lethal at the breakdown.


Tom Willis was brought into the starting team at 8 and has been one of the best England players over the last year, who should have been on this Lions tour at 8. Earl had his best game since 2020 last week - not sure 1 game warrants Lions selection over a poor combination side and he is certainly second choice for his club 7 country behind Willis.


Pollock will be a good player but like all young emerging players, he is inconsistent and can go quiet in games, which is why Curry should be the starter at 7. He brings energy to games, which is why he is good from the bench but there is an argument to say he is the 5th best England openside (Curry x2, Underhill & Earl are currently better) but will improve over the next 5 years. We just need to stop the media building him up for a fall, let him play and develop and you will see a sensational Henry Pollock for the Lions in 4 years time.


Lions will be too powerful over 80 mins, so doesn’t really matter who they pick. Just please don’t put too much hype on Pollock. His 20 mins of International rugby going into this tour were positive but the media caused a frenzy and no other player would be selected on this basis.


Let’s enjoy the rugby and give Pollock the space and time he requires.

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