Crusaders settle on new starting 10 for Chiefs showdown

The Chiefs are coming to town, and the Crusaders have named an All Black-laden 23 to greet them for the top-of-the-table clash.

The bulk of the hosts’ starting XV has All Blacks experience, matching the Chiefs in firepower. The visitors have, however, named more international experience on the bench.

The Crusaders will be without Taha Kemara, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Highlanders, and Ethan Blackadder, who is yet to return from a hamstring injury.

Tom Christie will remain at No. 7 in Blackadder’s absence, while the timely return of Rivez Reihana fills Kemara’s boots at 10.

“Rivez has been working really hard in the non-playing group while he’s been recovering from injury and has been leading that team so when he came in it was seamless and we were really impressed with how he slotted in,” head coach Rob Penney said. 

“It’s a great credit to the non-playing group; every week they set us up to play the best we can.” 

Former All Black Braydon Ennor returns from injury and has been named at 13, joining captain David Havili in a familiar midfield combination.

With the Chiefs falling to the Hurricanes in the Kiwi capital while the Crusaders had their feet up on a bye week in round 12, this contest will go a long way to deciding who will finish the season as top dogs in the standings. Currently, the rivals share top honours with 37 competition points, however, the Chiefs are yet to serve their final bye week.

“We’re in a position where we are a master of our own destiny, which is awesome, but it’s going to be a brutal weekend,” Penney continued. “We’re going to try and capitalise on the opportunity we’ve got to get back on top of the table, but it won’t be easy.”

Crusaders team to face the Chiefs

1. Tamaiti Williams 
2. (VC) Codie Taylor 
3. Fletcher Newell  
4. Scott Barrett 
5. Antonio Shalfoon 
6. Cullen Grace 
7. Tom Christie 
8. Christian Lio-Willie 
9. Noah Hotham 
10. Rivez Reihana 
11. Sevu Reece 
12. (C) David Havili  
13. Braydon Ennor 
14. Chay Fihaki 
15. (VC) Will Jordan 

Reserves

16. Ioane Moananu
17. George Bower
18. Seb Calder
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Corey Kellow
21. Kyle Preston
22. James O’Connor
23. Dallas McLeod