All Black returns to Crusaders bench for Blues derby

The Crusaders bench has received a significant boost ahead of their clash with the Blues at Eden Park this weekend, with All Black Noah Hotham and veteran lock Quinten Strange set to return from injury.

Hotham made it just eight minutes into the season opener against the Hurricanes before suffering an ankle injury, paving the way for Kyle Preston’s breakout in his rookie Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Another notable selection change for the game comes on the wing, as Chay Fihaki returns to the starting unit in an attempt to bring some defence to the wide channels and contain the Blues’ threats. The change means last week’s five-try hero Macca Springer has been relegated to the bench.

As the race for the Crusaders’ starting centre position heats up, Dallas McLeod has been named to return to the No. 13 jersey. Braydon Ennor made his return there last week but in another cruel blow for the All Black, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Tom Christie has retained his starting spot at openside flanker as another injury-prone All Black, Ethan Blackadder, faces time out, also with a hamstring complaint.

“It’s great to have both men back,” says Head Coach Rob Penney. “Noah is excited about returning and the competition at 9 is going to be intense.” 

Penney also stressed his side won’t be underestimating the Blues despite the reigning champions’ poor start to the campaign.

“Results-wise they’ll be disappointed, and they’ll be searching for a win, but they are playing well.

“I don’t think anyone likes to see people being dealt a negative hand of any sort, we are talking about the Blues, though,” Penney says.  

“Without a doubt, the rivalry is still there. It’s historic and long may it continue, it’s one of the greats.” 

Crusaders team to face the Blues

1. Tamaiti Williams  
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Fletcher Newell  
4. Scott Barrett  
5. Antonio Shalfoon  
6. Cullen Grace 
7. Tom Christie 
8. Christian Lio-Willie  
9. Kyle Preston  
10. Taha Kemara  
11. Sevu Reece 
12. David Havili (C)
13. Dallas McLeod 
14. Chay Fihaki 
15. Will Jordan (VC)

  Reserves 

16. Ioane Moananu
17. George Bower 
18. Seb Calder
19. Quinten Strange
20. Corey Kellow
21. Noah Hotham
22. James O’Connor 
23. Macca Springer

Injury status

Dom GARDINER, Hamstring, 2 weeks 
Ethan BLACKADDER, Hamstring, TBC
Johnny McNICHOLL, Hamstring, 2-4 weeks 
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN, Medial ligament (knee), 3 weeks 
Braydon ENNOR, Hamstring, TBC
George BELL, Planter plate (foot), 16-20 weeks 
Finlay BREWIS, Shoulder (surgery), Out for the season