Tamaiti Williams returns to Crusaders squad for Brumbies encounter

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has made some changes to his matchday 23 ahead of their first home game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, where they will take on the Brumbies on Sunday afternoon.

Penney’s side are coming off a disappointing 25-23 defeat against longtime rivals, the Highlanders, in Dunedin last Friday.

All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams comes onto the bench for his first appearance of the season, while Will Jordan and Fletcher Newell are promoted onto the run-on side.

George Bower is the player that misses out in the front-row, as Penney puts trust in Finlay Brewis to put in a performance against the Canberra-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

Super Rugby’s all-time leading try scorer Sevu Reece takes up a new position this week on the left-wing, to accommodate Jordan’s promotion in the back three, with Chay Fihaki moving to the right-wing from full-back.

One-Test All Black halfback Kyle Preston will miss the home clash with the Brumbies through concussion, giving Louis Chapman an opportunity off the bench.

The much-talked about Leicester Fainga’anuku shifts to the bench, alongside Taha Kemara in the No.22 jersey.

Penney knows the Brumbies will come to Christchurch ready to try and spoil the party, especially after their round one victory over the Western Force in Perth.

“They’re a pretty complete side. We’re going to have to be right on,” Penney said.

On Fainga’anuku’s benching, Penney explained it’s about wanting the outside-back to settle into his role in Christchurch.

“He’s come back to New Zealand as a world-class player and there has been a lot of discussion, which he’s been a part of, about his versatility.

“We really feel we need to get him settled and allow him to gradually unleash his talents as his combinations and confidence grows within the group.”

Crusaders team to face the Brumbies: 

1. Finlay Brewis
2. George Bell
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Dom Gardiner
7. Ethan Blackadder
8. Christian Lio?Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Sevu Reece
12. David Havili (C)
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Chay Fihaki
15. Will Jordan

Reserves:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Seb Calder
19. Tahlor Cahill
20. Corey Kellow
21. Louie Chapman
22. Taha Kemara
23. Leicester Fainga’anuku

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:   

Macca SPRINGER:  Quad, 1–2 week
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN:  Hip, 1–2 weeks
Kyle PRESTON: Concussion, Minimum 12 days
Mitch DRUMMOND: Concussion, Minimum 12 days
Johnny MCNICHOLL:  Hamstring, 3 weeks
Liam JACK:  Hamstring, 6–8 weeks
Maloni KUNAWAVE:  Hamstring, 6–8 weeks
Cooper ROBERTS:  Stress fracture (fibula), 6–8 weeks
Cullen GRACE:  Knee, return time currently unclear