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Defending champs name strong squad for 2018
By Richard North
Defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders have named seven new caps, including the son of a former captain and coach, among a squad of familiar names for their 2018 campaign.
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22 year-old Ethan Blackadder, son of Canterbury and Crusaders stalwart Todd, joins dynamic New Zealand under-20 representatives Will Jordan and Braydon Ennor, veteran Mike Delany, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon and Jack Stratton in the squad.
Another relative veteran, midfielder Tim Bateman, has re-signed for the 2018 season and will play alongside All Blacks Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo'unga, Jack Goodhue and David Havili.
In the forwards, Kieran Read, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Luke Romano, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock give this Crusaders a very familiar All Black vibe.
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But it's the newer members of the squad that will have Canterbury fans looking forward to another season of Super dominance. Blackadder, for instance, earns his place after a strong season with the Mitre 10 Cup runners-up Tasman where he cemented a starting spot in the team. Similarly, Jack Stratton has been strong for Canterbury and, alongside the likes of George Bridge, will be looking to emulate Jack Goodhue whose 2017 efforts saw him called up to the All Blacks.
Last but not least, it's great to see Israel Dagg back for another season in red-and-black after a long injury break. Crusaders fans and his younger teammates will be looking to him for leadership and experience as they kick off against the Chiefs on 24 February.
2018 Crusaders Squad:
Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder, Wyatt Crockett, MItchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Billy Harmon, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Peter Samu, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock.
Backs: Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mike Delany, Mitchell Drummond, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan, Jone Macilai, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Jack Stratton, Seta Tamanivalu.
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Latest Comments
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
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