Crusaders name settled side for Blues grudge match

The Crusaders have the luxury of consistency as they further their pursuit of another title. But this week, something of a wildcard Blues side stand in their way.

While it was just three weeks ago the Crusaders comfortably dismissed the Blues in Auckland, their famed rivals have strung together some strong wins since and are threatening to break back into the kind of form that saw them lift the Super Rugby Pacific trophy a season ago.

“They’ve got themselves into a position where they’re still in control of their own destiny, so it’ll be another good match-up,” Crusaders head Coach Rob Penney said ahead of the clash.  

The return of Codie Taylor from a one-week stand down with concussion is the more notable of just two changes to the starting XV. The other being the return of Antonio Shalfoon in the second row.

Both men dropped from the starting unit, Ioane Moananu and Jamie Hannah, have been named on the bench.

“Ioane has proved he is worthy of a place in this team and can regularly hold down his place. He’s a well-respected member of the team and his lineout throwing is classy, his scrummaging is impressive, and he always manages to get the crowd off their seats at games.”

Crusaders team to play the Blues

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. Noah Hotham 
10. Taha Kemara 
11. Sevu Reece 
12. (C) David Havili  
13. Levi Aumua 
14. Chay Fihaki 
15. (VC) Will Jordan

Impact 

16. Ioane Moananu
17. George Bower
18. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Corey Kellow
21. Kyle Preston
22. James O’Connor
23. Macca Springer