All Black loose forward returns for Crusaders for crunch clash

All Black loose forward Ethan Blackadder returns for the Crusaders to notch his 50th game in Canberra against the Brumbies.

The dynamic workhorse has been named as vice captain on the blindside, with Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie forming the loose forward trio.

“I can’t wait to get out there on Friday; any game of footy is good fun so I’m looking forward to it,” says Blackadder.  

“One game is special, so to run out there in that jersey 50 times is extra special.” 

Last week’s captain David Havili has been rested for the key clash, with one cap All Black Dallas McLeod named in the midfield alongside former Moana Pasifika centre Levi Aumua.

Hooker Codie Taylor will take the captaincy reigns off Havili.

“The Brumbies are very capable side, they’ve got strengths all over the park and their DNA hasn’t changed a great deal over the years; they can beat you up, up front and capitalise when you give them penalties and then when they’re in the 22 they’re ruthless,” says Penney. 

The crucial clash is vital to the final wash-up of the seedings, however if the Chiefs beat the Highlanders earlier in the evening the number one seed will be off the table.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

31

31

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

40%

Crusaders team to face the Highlanders, Friday night, Canberra:

1. George Bower
2. Codie Taylor (c)
3. Tamaiti Williams
4. Scott Barrett
5. Antonio Shalfoon
6. Ethan Blackadder (vc)
7. Tom Christie
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Sevu Reece
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Levi Aumua
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Johnny McNicholl

Impact

16. George Bell
17. Lewis Ponini (debut)
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Kyle Preston
22. James O’Connor
23. Braydon Ennor