Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has made 7 changes to the team that lost to the Blues in Auckland for this week’s Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Christchurch.
Wyatt Crockett will start at No 1 this week and Tim Perry moves to the bench. Luke Romano takes one of the starting lock positions alongside Sam Whitelock.
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Luke Whitelock takes the No 6 blindside flank jersey from his eldest brother George, who is recovering from an adductor strain.
And with Richie McCaw having just had surgery on a broken thumb, Matt Todd steps into the No 7 openside flank starting spot and Jordan Taufua will take a place on the bench.
In the backs, Willi Heinz will start at halfback this week and Andy Ellis will be ready to provide cover from the bench.
Israel Dagg starts on one wing this week and Johnny McNicholl on the other.
Nafi Tuitavake is recovering from a hamstring strain, which gives Tasman centre Kieron Fonotia the chance to make his Crusaders debut if he comes off the bench.
When the Crusaders take on the Stormers this Saturday night, one player will be primed to make his Crusaders debut and two of the team’s most senior players receive international awards.
Fans at AMI Stadium will be able to share in the occasion of Kieran Read and Richie McCaw receiving their trophies from the IRB for the International Player of the Year and 2013 Team of the Year (All Blacks) respectively. A presentation will take place at the conclusion of the match.
Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Israel Dagg, 10 Tom Taylor, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Kieran Read (Captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Luke Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Dominic Bird, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Tyler Bleyendaal, 23 Kieron Fonotia.
Hmmm still haven’t made my mind up on superbru…
Lions: 15 Marnitz Boshoff, 14 Ruan Combrinck , 13 Deon van Rensburg , 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Chrysander Botha, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Franco Mostert, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 MB Lusaseni , 20 . Willie Britz, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 JW Jonker, 23 Coenie van Wyk.
Shuffled backline to accommodate Jantjies.
Lions want to run the Sharkies off their feet. Great would love to see this one. Lets see if Elton will overshadow The Lamb.
Coenie also likely out for the season, The Cheetahs’ injury free period has run its course
MacroBull wrote:
Yes and no to that. Yes Coenie is a loss, but playing him at tighthead [as per HM’s wishes] takes a lot out of Coenie’s game.
@ Loosehead:
Was this really HM’s request? Coenie is an awesome tighthead, but the Cheetahs also lack depth at loosehead and will bring in a junior now. Nyakane also looks like he picked up an extra 15 kgs.
What I am saying is the Cheetahs will struggle with their depth at tighthead now. We all know HM wants him there, but are you going to rule out this was completely against Naka’s preference or strategy?
MacroBull wrote:
Yes. That is where HM has asked that he play and where he has picked him.
Oh and Coenie is a very average tighthead, he is an excellent loosehead.
@ Loosehead:
I admit Coenie is a far better loosehead, but I just find it difficult to believe that Naka would make selections that are not in his own interest as well.
MacroBull wrote:
Same as Willie. He is better used on the wing at the Freestate, but is playing fullback as HM has told him that that is his Bok position.
@ Loosehead:
lol
Yes Willie has been a massive failure at fullback.
Lord Blackadder really shouldn’t listen to Baldrick’s advise when selecting his teams.
It could be detrimental to the Crusadres’ Super Rugby season.
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