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Today

12:05

Super Rugby Pacific

10 All Blacks for Crusaders against the Blues in final pre-season clash

Ben Smith

94 days ago

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 22: David Havili of the Crusaders leads the team out during the round six Super Rugby Pacific match between Blues and Crusaders at Eden Park, on March 22, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

The Crusaders have named two teams to take on the Blues in their final pre-season hitout at Takapuna Rugby Club at Onewa Domain.

They have named 10 All Blacks to take the field over the two 40-minute halves, with George Bell, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Leicester Fainga’anuku and captain David Havili playing the first half, with George Bower, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Braydon Ennor and Sevu Reece playing the second.

Halfback Noah Hotham will play his first game since fracturing his leg against the Springboks in Wellington for the All Blacks, forming a partnership with Taha Kemara in the second half.

Evan Roos previews the big North-South derby

Another player of note is young gun Oli Mathis, who will start at openside in the second half, while Chay Fihaki will play fullback.

Fainga’anuku has been named to play left wing, with much anticipation he would be used as a midfielder on his return to New Zealand.

Crusaders First Half XV

1. Finlay Brewis
2. George Bell
3. Seb Calder
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Dom Gardiner
7. Ethan Blackadder
8. Johnny Lee
9. Kyle Preston
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. David Havili (C)
13. Nic Sauira
14. Jae Broomfield
15. James White

Reserves:

Sam Hainsworth Fa’aofo
Louie Chapman

Crusaders Second Half XV

1. George Bower
2. Manumaua Letiu
3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
4. Tahlor Cahill
5. Xavier Saifoloi
6. Corey Kellow
7. Oli Mathis
8. Christian Lio-Willie (C)
9. Noah Hotham
10. Taha Kemara
11. Kurtis Macdonald
12. Toby Bell
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. Chay Fihaki

Reserves:

Sam Hainsworth Fa’aofo
Louie Chapman

LIVE

Comments

3 Comments

SM 94 days ago

Haven't watched Super Rugby since covid , i see your teams no longer rock Adidas kits what a shame because your kits look bad from Super 12 inspired rugby to this, it's bad guys really you guys are no longer producing the marque players from yesteryear

GP 94 days ago

2 great teams named by the Crusaders. Good to see Leicester Fainga’anuku back for the Crusaders, David Havili and other AB’s. Author said Leicester anticipated to play midfield, but he is on the wing. I think he will be moved around a bit.He is that type of player. Braydon Ennor looked sharp at centre last week, following on from last year. Chay Fihaki had a fantastic year at fullback for Canterbury last year and on the wing last week.

Cantab 94 days ago

The Crusaders once again have much strength in their squad and considerable depth in key positions as well. The dynasty continues.

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