Crusaders make one starting change as they search for first win of season

All Blacks centre David Havili will captain the Crusaders again this week when they take on arch-rivals the Blues at Eden Park, with both sides set to rock out in heritage jerseys for the Kiwi derby.

Coach Rob Penney has made just the one change to the side that went down swinging in a thriller with the still-undefeated Hurricane last week with lock Jamie Hannah also coming into the First XV.

Joining All Black Fletcher Newell in the front row are the reliable duo of George Bower and George Bell, while Quinten Strange and Jamie Hannah round out the Crusaders’ tight five.

Dominic Gardiner, the always-running Tom Christie will take a place on the flanks while in-form backrower Cullen Grace is set to line up at No. 8 once again.

Willi Heinz starts at halfback for the third week on the bounce and will partner Riley Hohepa who started his first match for the Crusaders less than one week ago.

Captain David Havili joins Levi Aumua in the midfield, while Macca Springer, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki make up a familiar outside backs combination.

There’s plenty of flair on the bench as well with coach Penney selecting an exciting mix of experience and youth.

Among the veterans, Joe Moody and Ryan Crotty will look to make an impact off the pine while youngsters Noah Hotham and Dallas McLeod will hope to do the same.

The Crusaders are winless from four matches to start the season for the first time in team history. Only time will tell as to whether this is the team that can break their winless run.

This New Zealand derby will get underway at 7.05 pm NZT at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.

*Amendment

Tamaiti Williams is not back for the Crusaders this week. There was initially an error with the team’s media release.

Crusaders team to take on Blues

1. George Bower
2. George Bell
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Quinten Strange
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Dominic Gardiner
7. Tom Christie
8. Cullen Grace
9. Willi Heinz
10. Riley Hohepa
11. Macca Springer
12. David Havili (c)
13. Levi Aumua
14. Sevu Reece
15. Chay Fihaki

Reserves

16. Ioane Moananu
17. Joe Moody
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Noah Hotham
22. Ryan Crotty
23. Dallas McLeod