Crusaders stalwart to make 150th appearance in Highlanders derby

Seven-time Super Rugby champion Mitch Drummond has been named to start his first game of the season in what will be the veteran’s 150th appearance in red and black.

The milestone will come in a southern derby against the Highlanders in Christchurch, a fitting way for the Nelson-born product to join an exclusive club.

“When the team was named, the boys really got around me. It’s been a special week so far, and I’m really looking forward to Friday,” said Drummond. 

“150 games was a goal I set myself at the start of the year, and I knew it was reachable.”

Crusaders coach Rob Penney was delighted to select Drummond for the occasion.

“He’s team first, his work ethic is second to none, and his ability to get people connected is admirable. It’s an honour and a privilege to provide the opportunity for him to get out in front of his family and the fans and play his 150th game,” Penney said.  

“It’s a unique club he’s in – 100 provincial games and 150 Crusader caps, he deserves all the accolades that will be piled onto him over the next few days.”

The team list outside Drummond sees All Black prop Tamaiti Williams shift to the other side of the scrum in Fletcher Newell’s absence, while Jamie Hannah steps into the starting XV for Antonio Shalfoon.

Macca Springer has a chance to further his fine form on the left wing, while Braydon Ennor remains at centre after another injury-plagued season to date.

A potential debut off the bench could come for Lewis Ponini, with the former Waratah prop named in the No. 17 jersey. One-time All Black Dallas McLeod can bring up his 50th Crusaders appearance off the bench.

Crusaders team to play the Highlanders 

1. George Bower 
2. (VC) Codie Taylor 
3. Tamaiti Williams 
4. Scott Barrett 
5. Jamie Hannah 
6. Cullen Grace  
7. Tom Christie  
8. Christian Lio-Willie  
9. Mitch Drummond (150th  game) 
10. Rivez Reihana  
11. Macca Springer 
12. (C) David Havili   
13. Braydon Ennor  
14. Sevu Reece 
15. Johnny McNicholl 

Reserves

16. George Bell 
17. Lewis Ponini (debut)
18. Seb Calder
19. Quinten Strange
20. Corey Kellow 
21. Kyle Preston 
22. James O’Connor 
23. Dallas McLeod (50th game)

Injury status 

Fletcher NEWELL Achilles
1-2 weeks 

 Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN Neck
1-2 weeks 

Ethan BLACKADDER Hamstring 
2 weeks 

Xavier SAIFOLOI Knee (medial ligament) 
2 weeks  

Will JORDAN Knee (medial ligament) 
2-3 weeks 

Finlay BREWIS Shoulder (surgery)  
Out for the season  

Taha Kemara Knee (surgery)  
Out for the season  

Dom GARDINER Foot (surgery) 
Out for the season