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Young flyers primed for biggest game of the Crusaders' season - including one injury returnee
By Online Editors
The Crusaders are preparing for a historic Super Rugby final on Saturday night, when they host the Jaguares in Christchurch.
Head Coach Scott Robertson has named a consistent run-on side from last week's semi-final, with the exception of lock Scott Barrett and second five-eighth Ryan Crotty, who have both been ruled out of the Final with hand injuries.
?Mitchell Dunshea joins Captain Sam Whitelock as the starting locks, and Braydon Ennor slots in to the midfield alongside Jack Goodhue, in the absence of Crotty. 21-year old Will Jordan returns from injury to re-join the match day side.
Robertson said the team has built nicely throughout the week in preparation for Saturday's Final: "This is going to be a massive challenge against a tough Jaguares side, and there has been plenty of great energy in our environment this week.
"This is the Jaguares' first final so they'll have plenty of motivation and will be buoyed by the support of their passionate fans. The occasion is something we've embraced in our group, it's exciting and really special to be involved in a Final and to play for our friends, family and the people of the Crusaders region on Saturday night."
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd (VC), 6 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 5 Samuel Whitelock (C), 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Reserves: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 George Bower, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan.
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Latest Comments
Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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