All Black makes early return from injury for Crusaders' Sydney visit

The Crusaders begin the final stretch of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season with their first Australian trip of the year, and have some returning faces joining them on the flight.

George Bell, who was expected to miss the entirety of the 2025 season after a foot injury in round one, has made a rapid recovery to be named on the bench for the visit to Sydney.

“It’s brilliant to have George back. We’ve been all over his rehab for the last six weeks, he’s made a massive recovery very quickly, and it’s wonderful. The medics have done a great job,” head coach Rob Penney said of the returning young gun.  

The team has also called upon former Wales international Johnny McNicholl to fill the role of fullback, vacated by the injured Will Jordan.

“Johnny’s been ready to go for about a month. We probably would have given him access earlier, but our back three have been operating really efficiently together,” Penney explained. 

“Johnny is the ideal replacement for us, and it’s as close as like for like with Will that we can get; we know he’s the right decision.” 

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett will miss the game with a sprained thumb, giving Quinten Strange a crack in the No. 4 jersey besides an unsung hero of the 2025 season, Antonio Shalfoon.

The Crusaders will be eager to get back into the win column with a statement victory after their second-half dismantling at the hands of the Chiefs in round 13. Penney said the team had a productive review following the loss.

“We need to be good over there; the Waratahs are dangerous at home because they love the challenge of playing one of the best teams in the world and they consistently get up for that game. They’ve been massively difficult for any Crusaders team that’s played them, but we’re excited about that challenge.” 

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

31

35

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Crusaders team to play the Waratahs

1. Tamaiti Williams  
2. Ioane Moananu  
3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin 
4. Quinten Strange 
5. Antonio Shalfoon  
6. Cullen Grace  
7. Tom Christie  
8. Christian Lio-Willie  
9. Noah Hotham  
10. Rivez Reihana  
11. Sevu Reece  
12. (C) David Havili   
13. Braydon Ennor  
14. Chay Fihaki  
15. Johnny McNicholl 

Reserves

16. George Bell 
17. George Bower 
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill 
20. Corey Kellow 
21. Kyle Preston 
22. James O’Connor 
23. Dallas McLeod