Two injury-enforced changes for the Crusaders clash with the Hurricanes
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Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson has named his team to play the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday, and there are just two injury-enforced changes from the starting side that defeated the Blues in round five. Fullback and Vice-Captain David Havili has been ruled out for the season after fracturing the base of his right thumb against the Blues, meaning the competition's leading try scorer, Will Jordan, will start at fullback.
Jack Goodhue joins Whetukamokamo Douglas as Vice-Captain in Havili's absence, and is set to partner with Fetuli Paea in the midfield this week, after centre Braydon Ennor was ruled out with a toe injury. Brett Cameron and Leicester Fainga'anuku have both joined the playing 23 this week, and will provide cover on the bench.
The Crusaders and Hurricanes are currently sitting first and third on the Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa standings table. While the Crusaders have won the last six Super Rugby matches between the sides, it was the Hurricanes who handed the Crusaders their last loss at home in 2016.
Crusaders team to play the Hurricanes:
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor (C)
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Samuel Whitelock
5. Mitchell Dunshea
6. Tom Sanders
7. Tom Christie
8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC)
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. Jack Goodhue (VC)
13. Fetuli Paea
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will Jordan
RESERVES:
16. Andrew Makalio
17. George Bower
18. Oliver Jager
19. Quinten Strange
20. Sione Havili
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Brett Cameron
23. Leicester Fainga'anuku