All Black number 8 Kieran Read is still battling with the after-effects of concussion and thus will miss out on Saturday’s home clash against the Sharks.
Coach Todd Blackadder would have wanted to restore Read to his team for this big clash, but will now have to stick with the loose trio that played during Sunday’s Brisbane demolition of the Reds.
Luke Romano suffered a broken ankle in that game and is reaplced in the second row by Dominic Bird as the only change to the starting pack.
Amongst the backs, Willie Heinz earns a 50th cap as he comes in to start ahead of Andy Ellis, while Tom Taylor start at fullback. Israel Dagg has been rested this week, as Blackadder feels he is showing “early signs of wear and tear”.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Ryan Crotty (captain), 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Willie Heinz, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Substitutes: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 George Whitelock, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 Tyler Bleyendaal, 23 Nafi Tuitavake
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Sorry but Saders by 7
This game will be a decent test of how far Lewies has progressed. Sam Whitelock is probably currently the best lineout jumper in NZ. The battle between him and Lewies will be one to watch.
@Seth101 (Comment 1) : An optimist…
@Seth101 (Comment 1) : That would give us a much needed losing bonus point, which will come in very handy at the end of the competition.
I actually feel that the Crusaders are ripe for the taking. No Read, Carter, Romano and undercooked Mcaw. Yes they destroyed the Reds last week, but the Reds are quite rubbish this year.
@klempie 😆
I get the feeling that I’m just one of few people who is actually really pumped up and psyched for this game.
Want Saders scalp in Christchurch more than the 4/5 points!
Crusaders to win by 38 points sharks doesn’t stand a chance
@KingRiaan (Comment 5) : would not say “ripe for the taking” but for sure the best chance the Sharks had in years to beat them at home, with them doing a six day turn around (one day less than the Sharks) and also having played in OZ last Saturday (like the Sharks did).
Saders are hitting form, have home-ground advantage and an excellent record at home which means they must be taken down this weekend 😀
@Son Of Mayhem (Comment 6) : 😉
Even with their injury troubles I think the Saders will still take this one, unfortunately 🙁
@KingRiaan (Comment 5) :
Agreed
@RedSharkUtd82 (Comment 12) : it’s going to be tough, but it’s the best chance the Sharks had in years to beat the Saders at home. Sharks just needs to be sharp and finish the chances they create.
@JD (Comment 14) : There is always a chance we can win – so I hope Im wrong and you are right 😉
@RedSharkUtd82 (Comment 15) : yes let’s hope so!!!!