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Scott Barrett set to reach Crusaders milestone against Fijian Drua


Scott Barrett. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Photosport)
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Captain Scott Barrett is set to make his 100th appearance for the Crusaders on Saturday when the defending Super Rugby champions face the Fijian Drua in Fiji.

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Barrett made his Crusaders debut in an exhibition match against England nine years ago, and has gone on to enjoy a decorated career in the famous red and black jersey.

The All Blacks lock has played a pivotal role in the Crusaders’ unprecedented Super Rugby dynasty under Scott Robertson, including a true captains knock in last year’s final at Eden Park.

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Barrett will lead a new-look Crusaders side out onto Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, on Saturday at 5:35pm NZT.

The Crusaders have made eight changes to their starting XV ahead of the historic blockbuster in round three, including a new halves pairing.

Prop Tamaiti Williams is the only front-rower to have retained his spot in the starting side following last weekend’s big win over the Highlanders.

George Bower and Quentin MacDonald have both come into the starting side to face the Drua. In the second-row, Barrett will pack down alongside All Blacks teammate Sam Whitelock.

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Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie have also held their places in the starting XV, while Sione Havili Talitui has been named in the No. 6 after coming off the bench in Super Round.

The Crusaders have not included All Blacks Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo’unga in their matchday 23, and have instead turned to an interesting halves combination.

England international Willi Heinz will start at halfback for the champion Crusaders, will Fergus Burke will start at first five after donning the No. 15 jersey in Melbourne on Saturday.

There are only two other changes to the starting side, with Macca Springer set to start on the left wing and Chay Fihaki getting an opportunity to impress out the back.

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Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has also named three potential debutants on the bench.

The match at Churchill Park will mark the beginning on a momentous season for Fijian rugby, as the Drua are set to play a full season of home matches in Super Rugby Pacific this year.

 

Crusaders team to take on Fijian Drua

  1. George Bower
  2. Quentin MacDonald
  3. Tamati Williams
  4. Scott Barrett
  5. Sam Whitelock
  6. Sione Havili Talitui
  7. Tom Christie
  8. Christian Lio-Willie
  9. Willi Heinz
  10. Fergus Burke
  11. Macca Springer
  12. David Havili
  13. Braydon Ennor
  14. Sevu Reece
  15. Chay Fihaki

 

Replacements:

  1. Ioane Moananu
  2. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
  3. Seb Calder
  4. Zach Gallagher
  5. Corey Kellow
  6. Noah Hotham
  7. Taha Kemara
  8. Dallas McLeod

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EvilMockingJay 42 minutes ago
Antoine Dupont missing for now as Galthie names 33-man France squad

Well, he’s returning from an heavy injury, and still fresh compared to all the other 9 of top14. I know he made a super perf against Racing92 but, on the season ? Lucu, Le Garrec, Serin, Jauneau, Couilloud, and of course Graou did more for their teams. It’s “easier” for him to do ONE big perf, while all the other 9 were the best players of their team during the whole season, and he did that with a forward pack being a lot stronger and less tired than the Racing one.

Now had he played for all the season without a bulldozer pack like Toulouse one… maybe he would have being far less interesting against Racing92. I'm not saying is not a good player. Not at all. But, in my opinion, this season is really not the season to call him “best 9 in the world”. Not even best 9 in France… which, again, is normal because he was heavly injured, it’s even awesome is still capable of playing. And for these reasons, i'm thinking that Galthié should do without him with France group. A place in the squad is not a given, even for the former best player in the world. If another player with his number is generally better and in better form, he is the one who should be given the jersey. Dupont should take the time to really get back to full fitness (50’ by match with his club is not enough for international standards) before giving him back the blue jersey. + We need to stop that “Dupont dependence” or during the next big competition, *someone* is gonna destroy him. Again.



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