Ethan Blackadder returns as Crusaders name team for quarter-final

The Crusaders have welcomed back some big-name players for their quarter-final clash with the Fijian Drua in Christchurch on Saturday.

Oliver Jager is back in the front row, while All Black Ethan Blackadder and former England scrumhalf Willi Heinz have both been named on the bench.

Halfback Mitchell Drummond is also back in the No. 9 jersey after picking up an injury during the warm-up ahead of the blockbuster against the Hurricanes last weekend.

Oliver Jager is joined by reliable prop Tamaiti Williams and veteran Codie Taylor in the front row, while captain Scott Barrett and Quinten Strange make up the rest of the tight five.

Sione Havili Talitui and Tom Christie will take their place on the flanks, while Christian Lio-Willie will run out in the No. 8 jumper.

All Blacks Drummond and Richie Mo’unga will look to steer the Crusaders’ attack around the park, and provide quality ball to a world-class backline.

Dallas McLeod is the only back in the starting side that hasn’t played for the New Zealand national team.

Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor will link up in the midfield, while Leicester Fainga’anuku and McLeod have been named on the wings.

Exciting outside back Will Jordan has retained his place in the starting side at fullback.

This match is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST on Saturday evening at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.

Crusaders team to take on Fijian Drua

1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Codie Taylor
3. Oliver Jager
4. Scott Barrett
5. Quinten Strange
6. Sione Havili Talitui
7. Tom Christie
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Mitchell Drummond
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Jack Goodhue
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Dallas McLeod
15. Will Jordan

Replacements:

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Zach Gallagher
20. Ethan Blackadder
21. Willi Heinz
22. Fergus Burke
23. Chay Fihaki