Crusaders Ready for Season Opener
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The Crusaders are ready to kick off the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season with an exciting clash against the Hurricanes at Apollo Projects Stadium this Friday, February 14th, at 7:05pm.
Captain David Havili will lead the team for the first time this season and is making history as the first back and the first player of Pasifika origin to be the season captain.
"It's an incredible honour to captain this team," Havili says.
"I'm looking forward to leading the boys out on Friday and starting the season strong."
Another thrilling return is Will Jordan at fullback.
"It’s unreal to be back, I'm pretty excited to play in front of our home crowd again, you can't beat that feeling” says Jordan.
Levi Aumua will join Havili in the centre, while old Hamilton Boys' High school mates Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara will continue at 9 and 10 respectively.
Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki complete the backline on the wings.
In the forwards, Ethan Blackadder will start at openside flanker, with Cullen Grace at blindside.
Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell stand strong in the front row, alongside Ioane Moananu at hooker.
Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon are paired at lock, while Christian Lio-Willie takes the number 8 spot.
Several players are set to make their debuts: Manumaua Letiu, James O'Connor, Kyle Preston, and Sam Matenga.
The potential debutants: Manumaua Letiu & Kyle Preston
James O'Connor & Sam Matenga
Letiu, only 19 years old, was the head boy of Christchurch Boys High School and captain of their first XV.
"It's a dream come true to debut for the Crusaders," Letiu says. "I can't wait to get out there and give it my all."
Crusaders Team to Face Hurricanes:
- Tamaiti Williams
- Ioane Moananu
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Antonio Shalfoon
- Cullen Grace
- Ethan Blackadder
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Noah Hotham
- Taha Kemara
- Sevu Reece
- David Havili (c)
- Levi Aumua
- Chay Fihaki
- Will Jordan
Reserves:
- Manumaua Letiu*
- George Bower
- Sam Matenga*
- Tahlor Cahill
- Corey Kellow
- Kyle Preston*
- James O'Connor*
- Dallas McLeod
*denotes potential debut
With the first game of the season fast approaching, Crusaders Memberships are selling quickly. Secure yours now and be part of the action!
Don’t miss out on the action this Friday, tickets are still on sale here.
Unavailable for Round 1 due to injury:
Codie TAYLOR Hamstring 2-3 weeks
Fletcher ANDERSON Heel 2-3 weeks
Rivez REIHANA Ankle 2-3 weeks
Seb CALDER AC Joint 3-5 weeks
Quentin STRANGE Pec/Hamstring 4-6 weeks
Dom GARDINER Hamstring 4-6 weeks
Jamie HANNAH Shoulder (surgery) 4-6 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA Finger (surgery) 4-6 weeks
Johnny McNICHOLL Hamstring 4-6 weeks
Kershawl Sykes-Martin medial ligament (knee) 5-6 Weeks
Braydon ENNOR Wrist (surgery) Unclear currently
George Bell Big Toe/Foot Unclear Currently
Finlay Brewis Shoulder Out for the Season
