James O'Connor earns first Crusaders start against Moana Pasifika

A number of returning players from injury and a new No. 10 headline the Crusaders’ team naming for Moana Pasifika this week.

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has the luxury of picking from a broader group for his round seven clash, despite losing halfback Kyle Preston for a week or two with a rib injury.

All Black Ethan Blackadder has returned for the match and will no doubt be tasked with trying to contain fellow All Black Ardie Savea, who returns for the Crusaders’ opponents.

Jamie Hannah also makes his return from injury, as does Rivez Reihana, although the latter will have to wait to make his season debut as he’s been named on the bench. That’s because Wallaby James O’Connor has been called up for his first start on Crusaders colours.

“Starting James at 10 gives Taha a chance to pull out from leading the group. I’ve spoken regularly about his talent and his growth in a short space of time, we just want to make sure that we manage that, and make sure that should something untoward happen, we have some players at the ready that have had some time in the saddle… there’s a lot similarities between them. The beauty of those two is that they feed off each other,” Penney said.  

Man of the Match for round six’s win over the Blues, hooker Ioane Moananu, has retained his starting spot, relegating Codie Taylor to the bench as the All Black returns from a minor injury that ruled him out a week ago.

Tamaiti Williams will likely see a shorter spell on the field this week after being named on the bench as well. George Bower takes his place in the starting team.

Fletcher Anderson’s inclusion is another notable change in the matchday 23, with the 22-year-old named to start opposite Savea in the No. 8 jersey.

Sevu Reece has been given a rest, but there’ll be no respite for Moana as Macca Springer comes into the starting team to replace him, having scored six tries in 102 minutes of game time this season.

Crusaders team to face Moana Pasifika: 

1. George Bower 
2. Ioane Moananu 
3. Fletcher Newell  
4. Scott Barrett  
5. Jamie Hannah 
6. Cullen Grace 
7. Ethan Blackadder 
8. Fletcher Anderson 
9. Noah Hotham 
10. James O’Connor  
11. Macca Springer 
12. (C) David Havili  
13. Dallas McLeod 
14. Chay Fihaki 
15. (VC) Will Jordan 

Impact 

16. (VC) Codie Taylor
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Seb Calder
19. Quinten Strange
20. Xavier Saifoloi
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Levi Aumua