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Super Rugby sides named for semis: Canes bench Savea
By RugbyPass
All four teams have been named for this weekend's Super Rugby semi finals, with the Crusaders naming an unchanged 23 for their match against the Chiefs at AMI Stadium on Saturday evening NZT.
Crusaders: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Sam Whitelock (C), 6. Jordan Taufua, 7. Matt Todd (VC), 8. Kieran Read, 9. Bryn Hall, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Seta Tamanivalu, 12. Ryan Crotty (VC), 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Israel Dagg, 15. David Havili
Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Michael Alaalatoa, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Mitchell Drummond, 22. Mitchell Hunt, 23. George Bridge
They'll be facing a Chiefs team welcoming back Charlie Ngatai and Tim Nanai-Williams to the starting lineup.
Chiefs: 15. Damian McKenzie, 14. Tim Nanai-Williams, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 12.Charlie Ngatai, 11. James Lowe, 10. Aaron Cruden (co-c), 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8. Michael Leitch, 7. Sam Cane (co-c), 6. Liam Messam, 5. Brodie Retallick, 4. Mitchell Brown, 3. Nepo Laulala, 2. Nathan Harris, 1. Kane Hames.
Reserves: 16. Liam Polwart, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Atu Moli, 19. Dominic Bird, 20. Lachlan Boshier, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Stephen Donald, 23. Shaun Stevenson
Over in Johannesburg, the Lions have also named an unchanged 23 for their semi final against the Hurricanes:
Lions: 15. Andries Coetzee, 14. Ruan Combrinck, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Courtnall Skosan, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Ross Cronje, 8. Ruan Ackermann, 7. Kwagga Smith, 6. Jaco Kriel (c), 5. Franco Mostert, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Ruan Dreyer, 2. Malcolm Marx, 1. Jacques van Rooyen.
Reserves: 16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Corne Fourie, 18. Johannes Jonker, 19. Lourens Erasmus, 20. Cyle Brink, 21. Faf de Klerk, 22. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23. Sylvian Mahuza.
The visitors have made the most eye-raising change, dropping All Black wing Julian Savea in favour of Wes Goosen. Vince Aso comes back in at centre, meaning Jordie Barrett goes to fullback and Nehe Milner-Skudder shifts to the wing. Veteran Cory Jane is squeezed off the bench and probably into waterboy duties. It's a repeat of last year's scenario for Savea, who was axed for the entire finals campaign for Jason Woodward.
Hurricanes: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13. Vince Aso, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Wes Goosen, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Brad Shields, 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Vaea Fifita, 5. Sam Lousi, 4. Mark Abbott, 3. Jeff To'omaga-Allen, 2. Dane Coles (c), 1. Ben May.
Reserves: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Chris Eves, 18. Loni Uhila, 19. Reed Prinsep, 20. Callum Gibbins, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Otere Black, 23. Julian Savea
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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