Team News: David Havili starts at fullback for the Crusaders

July 02, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

The Crusaders head to Dunedin tomorrow ahead of their round four match against the Highlanders on Saturday which will be the first time the two sides clash since 2018 after the 2019 match was abandoned.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the starting side and one positional change with Will Jordan moving to the right-wing this week to make way for Vice-Captain, David Havili, to slot in at fullback.

The shuffle in the backline sees Sevu Reece take a place on the bench in jersey 23 while the tight five remains unchanged for this game. There are two changes in the loose forwards after impressive blindside flanker Cullen Grace underwent surgery on Tuesday for a fracture at the base of his right thumb, which sees Ethan Blackadder start in his place with 22 -year-old Tom Christie also earns a start this week, for Billy Harmon at openside flanker.

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In the backs, Bryn Hall and George Bridge will be rested, meaning Mitch Drummond starts at halfback and Leicester Faingaanuku on the left-wing. Exciting Tasman back, Fetuli Paea, is set to become Crusader #245 on Saturday, having been named on the bench for what will be his first Super Rugby appearance. Also included in the reserves is Oli Jager, who was a late withdrawal from the side last week with a back complaint and is now fully fit to return to the 23.

Following their successful return from injury to play club rugby last week, Andrew Makalio and Quinten Strange have both been named in the reserves for the first time in Super Rugby Aotearoa, and make a welcome return to face the Highlanders.

Crusaders team to play the Highlanders:

1. Joe Moody

2. Codie Taylor (C)

3. Michael Alaalatoa

4. Samuel Whitelock

5. Mitchell Dunshea

6. Ethan Blackadder

7. Tom Christie

8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC)

9. Mitchell Drummond

10. Richie Mo'unga

11. Leicester Faingaanuku