Four new faces named in Crusaders team for season opener

The Crusaders are out for redemption after dropping out of the Super Rugby Pacific title fold entirely in 2024. And a new, shortened finals format hasn’t made that job any easier for the former champions.

Head coach Rob Penney has chosen his first side for battle in 2025, with new captain David Havili leading the assault from the midfield.

Joining the 30-time All Black in the run-on squad for the season opener in Christchurch will be his bruising midfield partner Levi Aumua, with All Blacks stars Sevu Reece and Will Jordan joined by Chay Fihaki in the back three.

Fresh off his debut All Blacks campaign, Noah Hotham will pair with high school teammate Taha Kemara in the starting halves duo.

A loose forward trio that helped generate some positive momentum at the tail end of last season is reunited in the form of Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie.

The second row is made up of All Blacks captain Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon. Both Quinten Strange and Jamie Hannah are set to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively.

More injury concerns are found in the front row, with Codie Taylor also suffering a hamstring issue, which will rule him out for 2-3 weeks. Ioane Moananu steps in alongside Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell in a heavyweight front row.

Crusaders team to face Hurricanes

1. Tamaiti Williams 
2. Ioane Moananu 
3. Fletcher Newell 
4. Scott Barrett 
5. Antonio Shalfoon 
6. Cullen Grace 
7. Ethan Blackadder 
8. Christian Lio-Willie 
9. Noah Hotham 
10. Taha Kemara 
11. Sevu Reece 
12. David Havili (c) 
13. Levi Aumua 
14. Chay Fihaki 
15. Will Jordan 

Reserves

16. Manumaua Letiu*
17. George Bower
18. Sam Matenga*
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Kyle Preston*
22. James O’Connor*
23. Dallas McLeod

*denotes potential debut 

Injury list

Codie TAYLOR Hamstring 2-3 weeks
Fletcher ANDERSON Heel 2-3 weeks
Rivez REIHANA Ankle 2-3 weeks
Seb CALDER AC Joint 3-5 weeks
Quentin STRANGE Pec/Hamstring 4-6 weeks
Dom GARDINER Hamstring 4-6 weeks
Jamie HANNAH Shoulder (surgery) 4-6 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA Finger (surgery) 4-6 weeks
Johnny McNICHOLL Hamstring 4-6 weeks
Braydon ENNOR Wrist (surgery) Unclear currently