Todd Blackadder has picked his strongest available Crusaders team to face the Sharks this weekend.
Blackadder took the opportunity to give some of his frontline stars an easier week last week, playing many of them off the bench (or not at all) against the Kings in Christchurch. Durban will be a different kettle of cartilaginous marine vertebrates, though and Blackadder is taking no chances.
Joe Moody and Codie Taylor move into the front row at loose-head and hooker respectively, with Ben Funnell and Wyatt Crockett dropping to the pine. Scott Barrett comes in at lock for Luke Romano and Kieran Read starts at 8 (and takes the captaincy) in the final forward change.
Andy Ellis is back a scrumhalf, while Ryan Crotty also returns at inside centre. David Havili moves back to fullback from the 12 jersey he wore last week.
Interestingly, there are 6 forwards on the bench this week.
Crusaders: 15. David Havili, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 13. Kieron Fonotia, 12. Ryan Crotty , 11. Nemani Nadolo, 10. Richard Mo’unga, 9. Andrew Ellis, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Matt Todd, 6. Jordan Taufua, 5. Samuel Whitelock (Captain), 4. Scott Barrett, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Joe Moody
Replacements: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Michael Alaalatoa, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Jimmy Tupou, 21. Tim Boys, 22. Mitchell Drummond , 23. Ben Volavola
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Any one also going to the game on Saturday? Will be the first time that the whole family is going
@Henkb (Comment 1) : Yeh ill be there. Always nice to have the new zealand sides in town.
@Henkb (Comment 1) : Will be there.
Missing this week 😥 . I’ve been to frivolous with money this month and am still waiting to be paid. Also I’m kicking myself for not just buying the season ticket. Maybe 2017…
Quite a few new names (to me that is) in that team, although the pack looks pretty settled.
@Hulk (Comment 4) : when the all black arrive, then you may reallly be kicking yourself.
I hope the people in Durban and PMB attend the stadium in numbers for this epic clash. These two teams deserve large crowds.
Respect being shown by the Crusaders too.
And with this new format the next time we play the Crusaders will be 2018, so go see them this weekend!
@Sharks_have_Character! (Comment 7) : Its Easter weekend so tricky to call how good the crowd will be. Possibility of a good few joburgers in the crowd. There was a pretty decent crowd for the Jaguares game.
I don’t recognise all the names on the team sheet. Where’s Hertford Highlander when you need him? Anyone care to share some opinions on this squad? Especially some of the less well known players.
Yup, will be there and looking forward to a great game of rugga.
Certainly have confidence that it will at least be a better showing than lasts years debacle.
I see the number 10 Mo’unga has already scored 3 tries – so he must be a tricky customer to be watched closely.
@Bokhoring (Comment 12) : my memory isnt too fantastic but i think most if not all of them were simple run ins with him running on the shoulder of those outside him who have broken the tackle
I have a confession. I am seriously thinking about picking the Crusaders on Superbru. Does this mean I have a problem?
@Sharks_have_Character! (Comment 14) : I picked Sharks based completely on logic not emotion, but then I also went with Jags over Stormers and Rebels over Landers
@Sharks_have_Character! (Comment 14) : I’m probably also going to make that pick but based on performance to date no one should be taking SuperBru advice from me. In conclusion – you’re likely making a mistake 😀
@Henkb (Comment 1) : @SheldonK (Comment 2) : @Seth101 (Comment 3) : enjoy it guys!!!
@Sharks_have_Character! (Comment 14) : @Seth101 (Comment 15) : @vanmartin (Comment 16) : yes it means you going to lose points!!! Sharks by 6!!!