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Sevu Reece returns for Crusaders against Blues as prop notches 100

Sevu Reece of the Crusaders kicks the ball during the round one Super Rugby match between Highlanders and Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on February 13, 2026, in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
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Super Rugby’s all-time leading try-scorer has returned to the Crusaders’ starting XV after a two-week absence and is set to run out at One New Zealand Stadium for the first time.

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Sevu Reece watched from the sidelines during Super Round after becoming a late withdrawal due to injury, and could only cheer as his replacement on the right wing, Dallas McLeod, ran over for the first try in Christchurch’s new stadium.

This week against the Blues, Reece joins a back three that also features Johnny McNicholl and Macca Springer, with Will Jordan expected to return from injury next week. David Havili and McLeod make up the centre partnership while Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana operate as the starting halves duo. Taha Kemara has been ruled out due to a knee complaint.

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In the pack, Leicester Fainga’anuku remains in the No.7 jersey, alongside Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie in the loose forwards. Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah resume their partnership in the locks, with All Blacks captain Scott Barrett’s chances of returning this Super Rugby season on the ropes due to troublesome lower leg injuries.

In the front row, Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor join milestone man George Bower, who will celebrate his 100th game in red and black.

“For me, I just want to put my best foot forward for the boys and put my body on the line. It’s an absolute honour to put that jersey on for the 100th time,” says Bower.

“I remember walking through the doors for the first time and seeing the values on the wall and the centurions. You admire those names, and then suddenly you realise it’s possible. When that whistle blows on Friday, that’s when it’ll really sink in.”

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Crusaders head coach Rob Penney spoke on Bower’s influence within the group.

“Gio is such a genuine person – loving, caring and full of the values you want around your team. When things get tough, he’s one of those guys who lifts the group and blows the dark clouds away. He’s special for us, and it’s great to celebrate his hundred,” says Penney.

“What better way to play your 100th than against the Blues? That rivalry runs deep. It’s in the blood of Cantabrians and Aucklanders, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
4
Draws
0
Wins
1
Average Points scored
26
22
First try wins
60%
Home team wins
80%

Crusaders team to face the Blues

  1. George Bower – 100th Game
  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. Rivez Reihana
  11. Macca Springer
  12. David Havili (C)
  13. Dallas McLeod
  14. Sevu Reece
  15. Johnny McNicholl

Reserves

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16. George Bell
17. Jack Sexton
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Dom Gardiner
21. Kyle Preston
22. Cooper Grant
23. Kurtis Macdonald

Injury list

Taha KEMARA: Knee, 1 week
Will JORDAN: Calf, 1 week
Will TUCKER: Concussion/ neck, 1 week
Cullen GRACE:  Knee, 2 weeks
Chay FIHAKI, Hamstring, 2 weeks
Finlay BREWIS: Calf, 2-4 weeks
Braydon ENNOR, Hamstring, 4 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN, Neck, TBC
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS, Discitis, out for the season

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Paul Ennis 28 minutes ago
RFU's Six Nations review uncovers multiple issues

There is no doubt that the England Women’s Rugby has got a lot of things right over the last 20 years - not least the current coaching ticket. But I think that it would almost be like asking the England Soccer coaches to take over. And that is not slight on the coaches or Women’s rugby. I think if you asked Andy Farrell to take over the England Women’s team he would struggle to apply his experience and methodology in a way that works for Women’s sport - because it is just completely different.

The thing with coaching tickets is you just don’t know if they will be successful until they ARE successful. England have produced 2 world class coaches over the course of professionalism. One delivered a RWC and the second was not given a chance. In all likelihood, Andy Farrell would now be your head coach if the RFU had the mettle to stick with Lancaster after 2015 for 4 more years. Farrell would have taken over in 2019 and would have had a better chance than Borthwick to win the RWC in 2023 & 2027. That has to be up there as one of the worst decisions in rugby history and it was driven by English media who just didn’t like how nice Lancaster was. How many other head coaches of the professional era compare to Woodward & Farrell? Erasmus, Gatland & maybe Hansen (who had the luxury of a generational team). Certainly no other nation has 2 on the list, so England might be waiting a while for the 3rd to come along. Could it be Farrell junior? Possibly - but he might be loathe to put himself in the firing line of the toxic English press again.



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