Fletcher Newell returns for Crusaders' semi-final trip to Hamilton

The Crusaders have made two injury-related changes to the starting XV for this weekend’s semi-final showdown against the Chiefs.

Fletcher Newell has been named to return for the team just two weeks after sustaining an MCL injury, replacing fellow All Black George Bower at tighthead prop as Bower drops to the bench and Finlay Brewis maintains his spot at loosehead.

An injury to Dallas McLeod has coincided with Braydon Ennor’s return to full fitness after some minutes off the bench last week, allowing Crusaders coach Rob Penney to replace one Test-capped midfielder with another. The changes in the backline leave room for Macca Springer on the bench.

“He’s world-class and brings some different elements, but he’s equally as impressive on both sides of the ball. You lose one, bring another in, and it’s hopefully pretty seamless,” Penney said of Ennor.

It’s an otherwise unchanged matchday 23 for the Crusaders, who head to Hamilton for a 2025 final rematch in the penultimate week of the season.

“It will be hostile, but it’s an awesome opportunity for us to go out there and put on a good performance. They’re a quality side, and the last times we’ve played them have been really tough,” Newell added.

“We’ve got full trust in our group, and we’ve had a really good week, so now we’re just excited to go play.

“The stakes are higher, training’s more intense, the games are more intense – these are the games you want to play in.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

60 - 5

49 - 12

46 - 24

59 - 34

36 - 32

49 - 12

52 - 31

47 - 14

36 - 32

36 - 20

3

Wins

4

1

Streak

1

27

Tries Scored

29

25

Points Difference

37

2/5

First Try

2/5

3/5

First Points

1/5

3/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

Crusaders team to face the Chiefs

1. Finlay Brewis
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Leicester Fainga’anuku
8. Christian Lio?Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Taha Kemara
11. Sevu Reece
12. David Havili (C)
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Johnny McNicholl

Reserves

16. Manumaua Letiu
17. Jack Sexton
18. George Bower
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Dom Gardiner
21. Kyle Preston
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Macca Springer

Injury list

Cullen GRACE:  Knee, 1 week
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN: Neck, 1-3 weeks
Seb CALDER: Calf, 1-3 weeks
George BELL: Calf, 1-3 weeks
Dallas MCLEOD: Groin, 1-3 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Scott BARRETT: Back, out for the season
Will JORDAN: Calf, out for the season
Xavier SAIFOLOI: Shoulder, out for the season
Will TUCKER: Shoulder, out for the season
Toby BELL: Shoulder, out for the season
Mitch DRUMMOND: Shoulder, out for the season
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS: Discitis, out for the season