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All Black makes early return from injury for Crusaders' Sydney visit
By Ned Lester
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.
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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.
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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.”
Crusaders team to play the Waratahs
- Tamaiti Williams
- Ioane Moananu
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin
- Quinten Strange
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Cullen Grace
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Noah Hotham
- Rivez Reihana
- Sevu Reece
- (C) David Havili
- Braydon Ennor
- Chay Fihaki
- Johnny McNicholl
Reserves
- George Bell
- George Bower
- Seb Calder
- Tahlor Cahill
- Corey Kellow
- Kyle Preston
- James O’Connor
- Dallas McLeod
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Good Crusaders side picked. I would have liked Kyle Preston to have started at halfback, but he is part of a strong bench that includes form players like Corey Kellow, James O’Connor and good to see the return of George Bell. Ioane Moananu deserves after the way he has played. Surprised Macca Springer not in the 23 or even starting. But I am happy Johnny McNicoll in his 50th game for the Crusaders has been given the fullback position in the absence of Will Jordan. He came to the rescue last year.
It is absolutely ridiculous that Penney is not starting Macca Springer at left wing, Sevu Reese at right wing, and Chay Fihaki at fullback.
At this stage in his career, McNicholl is a bench player at best.
As strong a team as could have been picked. Crusaders desperately need to get back on the horse after last week’s debacle & disaster. Really need a good win preferably with the bonus point. Capable of getting 5 points from the Highlanders too but the Brumbies on their home turf will be tough yakka.