News

BNZ Crusaders team named to play the Brumbies in Canberra

Details Published: 26 April 2018

The BNZ Crusaders are making their way to Canberra this afternoon, where they are scheduled to take on the Brumbies at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.

Head Coach Scott Robertson has made seven changes to his team from the side that took the field against the Sunwolves last weekend.

In the forwards, Codie Taylor returns to the starting line-up in place of injured hooker Ben Funnell, and Andrew Makalio will once again provide cover on the bench.

Sam Whitelock returns this week to partner Scott Barrett at lock, and will resume the captaincy, while Heiden Bedwell-Curtis and Jordan Taufua return to the loose forward trio in the No. 6 and No. 8 jerseys respectively.

At halfback, Bryn Hall joins the starting side this week and Mitch Drummond takes a spot on the bench. Seta Tamanivalu will start on the left wing on Saturday night in place of his nephew, Manasa Mataele, who moves to the reserves for this game.

The midfield combination of Ryan Crotty and Tim Bateman remains unchanged, and Israel Dagg will once again start on the right wing following his successful return to play last weekend.

David Havili completes the line-up this week at fullback in place of George Bridge - with both players having played the most minutes of anyone in the team this season.

Kick off is 9:45pm (NZT), Saturday 28 April, at GIO Stadium in Canberra.