Crusaders opt for All Blacks-heavy bench for round 1 in Dunedin

The Crusaders have named “a bit of a bomb squad” in their matchday 23 for Friday’s southern derby in Dunedin, opting to bring five All Blacks off the bench.

Codie Taylor, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Kyle Preston, and Will Jordan make up the bulk of the impact unit for the reigning champs, with Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow and Taha Kemara in tow.

“We’ve got a bit of a bomb squad off the bench, which is exciting,” Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said when announcing the first matchday team of the year.

The coach has called upon Finlay Brewis, George Bell, and Seb Calder to start the game, while Scott Barrett’s non-playing sabbatical sees Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah pack down in the second row. Dom Gardiner joins a couple of All Blacks hungry to further their case for national selection in the back row, with Ethan Blackadder at openside flanker and Christian Lio-Willie at No.8.

In the backline, Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana are the game-drivers, with captain David Havili and Braydon Ennor in the midfield. A back three of Leicester Fainga’anuku, Sevu Reece amd Chay Fihaki offers plenty of finishing power.

“The competition at 10 remains fierce. It’ll be a challenge and a contest throughout the year. Rivez earned the right to start, and Taha’s opportunities are going to come quickly,” says Penney.

“Leicester’s got a wide and varied skill set. He’s got a bit of licence, so he’ll be able to unleash himself when he sees the opportunities.”

Penney added that the team are expecting a hostile welcome from the Dunedin faithful.

“The Zoo’s the Zoo, isn’t it? It’s tradition down there, and it always adds to the atmosphere on a Friday night.”

“This is a good South Island derby, it’ll be ultra-competitive. You don’t have to look back through history too much to understand how Friday night’s going to start.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

17

31

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Crusaders team to play the Highlanders 

1. ????Finlay Brewis
2. George Bell
3. Seb Calder
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Dom Gardiner
7. Ethan Blackadder
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. (C) David Havili
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. Chay Fihaki

16. Codie Taylor
17. George Bower
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Kyle Preston
22. Taha Kemara
23. Will Jordan

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:

Macca Springer:  Quad, 1–2 weeks
Kershawl Sykes?Martin:  Hip, 1–2 weeks
Johnny McNicholl:  Hamstring, 3 weeks
Liam Jack:  Hamstring, 6–8 weeks
Maloni Kunawave:  Hamstring, 6–8 weeks
Cooper Roberts:  Stress fracture (fibula), 6–8 weeks
Cullen Grace:  Knee, return time currently unclear