Codie Taylor returns for Crusaders in team to host Reds

The Crusaders will have the services of All Black Codie Taylor when they host the Reds in Christchurch this weekend.

The hooker has been absent from the season to date as he rehabs a hamstring injury, but is fot and firing for his season debut against the unbeaten Australian heavyweights.

It’s the first trans-Tasman contest of the year for the Crusaders, who split their opening two games with a win against the Hurricanes and a loss against the Chiefs before their bye week in round three.

“They’ve been managing me quite well here and I’m feeling good now and ready to get back out there,” Taylor said. 

“Me and the assault bike have become best friends over the last couple of weeks and I’m quite happy I can hopefully say goodbye to him for a wee while.” 

The only other change to the starting XV is the inclusion of Dallas McLeod in the midfield, the one-time All Black lines up outside captain David Havili and replaces Levi Aumua in the No 13 jersey.

The contest will be a special one for former Wallaby and Queensland Reds playmaker James O’Connor, who has again been named on the bench to face his old squad.

“They’re coming off two good wins, they’ll be full of confidence, and they’ll be coming here to do a job,” O’Connor says. 

The 64-time Wallaby went on to share his thoughts on what has been a lung-busting season to date.

“Everyone is talking about how high scoring the competition is, it’s because they’re speeding the game up, there’s more fatigue out there, even for me as a goal kicker, I’m still getting my breath and I’m getting the 10-second call to kick the ball.” 

“I’m enjoying it, there’s more attacking pictures and for the fans it must be pretty cool to watch.” 

The contest is set for a Sunday afternoon kickoff time, something Crusaders head coach Rob Penney was looking forward to.

“Afternoon footy is so exciting for fans to get out and get in the sun and watch it live – it’s fabulous for families to get out and enjoy an afternoon at their favourite sport.” 

Crusaders team to play the Reds

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

Reserves

16. Ioane Moananu
17. George Bower
18. Sam Matenga
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. James O’Connor
23. Levi Aumua 

Injury status

Rivez REIHANA   Ankle
1 week 

Seb CALDER   AC Joint
1 week 

Quin STRANGE   Pec/Hamstring
1 week 

Jamie HANNAH   Shoulder (surgery)
1 week 

Aki TUIVAILALA   Finger (surgery)
1 week 

Dom GARDINER   Hamstring
3-5 weeks 

Johnny McNICHOLL   Hamstring
3-5 weeks 

Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN   Medial ligament (knee)
4 weeks 

Noah HOTHAM   Ankle
5 weeks 

George BELL   Planter plate (foot)
16-20 weeks 

Finaly BREWIS   Shoulder (surgery)
Out for the season